|
News
roundup
|
 |
|
|
|
Stock image by AllThingsCoastal from Pixabay
A Met Office yellow weather warning for rain across Somerset comes into effect from 6am tomorrow (Saturday) through to 11.45pm on Sunday. A further yellow weather warning for wind across the South West comes into effect from 3pm on Saturday to 9pm on Sunday, which could affect parts of Somerset.
Heavy rain associated with Storm Bert may cause some travel disruption and flooding over the weekend. Our highway teams are on standby over the weekend to deal with any issues.
Somerset Council’s Severe Weather Emergency Provision is active in Somerset.
During this period of severe weather, the Council is seeking to provide emergency accommodation for rough sleepers to prevent harm or death due to the severe weather.
|
|
|
Image courtesy of National Highways
Get ready for a safer journey this winter with National Highways' T.R.I.P. campaign. Follow the T.R.I.P. checklist: Top-up, Rest, Inspect, Prepare. By topping up your fuel, oil, and screen-wash, taking regular rest breaks, inspecting your tyres, and preparing for all weather conditions, you can significantly reduce the risk of breakdowns and accidents.
Check road conditions, stay weather-aware, and pack an emergency kit with essentials like a blanket, torch, de-icer, and a fully charged phone. Make T.R.I.P. safety checks a part of your routine for a stress-free journey this winter.
|
|
An improved 24-hour payment system is on the way for anyone wishing to pay for key Somerset Council services online or over the phone.
From 5 December, residents will be able to pay for the following services over the phone at any time of the day, 7 days a week using the new automated system.
|
Somerset Council is bringing forward proposals which protect its 100% Council Tax discount for working age residents on the lowest incomes, while also making savings to help balance its budget for next year.
In preparation for the creation of Somerset Council in 2023, a new Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme was adopted which brought in a 100% Council Tax discount across Somerset for the first time for most of the county.
|
Since October, the energy price cap for households using gas and electricity has gone up by around 10%, which makes it the perfect time to look for ways to cut energy use and keep your bills down.
Small changes can make a big impact on our environment and save on your energy bills. There are a variety of low-cost useful tips to save your pennies, energy and the environment during the cold winter months.
|
As part of its ongoing commitment to the Somerset Tree Strategy, the Council is asking people to use the awareness week as a chance to think about trees and take action to enhance our local environment and strengthen community bonds.
Volunteers can join the Green Rangers on 27 November at Wilstock and Stockmoor Country Park near Bridgwater to remove tree guards on existing established trees and plan for a new orchard.
|
The result of the by election held on 21 November 2024 for the vacant seat in the 2-seat Blackmoor Vale division on Somerset Council is as follows:
Hayward Burt (Conservative) – 1,120 (elected); Howard Ellard (Liberal Democrat) – 714; Peter Ebsworth (Green Party) – 86; Gregory Chambers (Labour) – 32.
|
Somerset Council’s domestic abuse service, facilitated by the YOU Trust, is proud to support the annual 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign running from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day).
|
This White Ribbon Day, on 25 November, Somerset Council joins the international campaign to end violence against women and girls.
Recognised globally, White Ribbon Day focuses on engaging men and boys to take a stand against gender-based violence, creating a world where everyone feels safe and respected.
|
An independently owned transport company based in Somerset has partnered with Somerset Council and NHS Somerset as part of the ‘Take the Pressure off’ campaign.
Hatch Green Coaches has become the first workplace in the county to host on-site blood pressure monitors provided by the initiative to enable their staff to check their blood pressure at work.
|
County Hall in Taunton joined landmarks around the world in lighting up blue to commemorate World Children’s Day.
On 20 November, the Somerset Council building joined schools and other buildings, including the Eiffel Tower and Chichen Itza, celebrating the global day of action from UNICEF for children, marking the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
|
Somerset Council is running a free event aimed at providing valuable information and support to individuals and families navigating the complexities of care and support planning.
The event will take place on Monday 25 November at A Block, County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY.
|
|
|
|
|
