Council leaders have this week issued a stark warning about the impact

on Bath & North East Somerset services caused, they say, by a national shortage of HGV drivers and a local increase in Covid cases. The latest figures released by the Council, which ended on 6th October, did, however, show a reduction of cases – from 857 to 522.

The Council says it is facing challenges and is warning residents about potential disruption – such as to waste and recycling collections – which could go on for some months, particularly with seasonal demand increasing in the run-up to, and after Christmas.

Pressures are also mounting on social care, as demand grows across both residential and home care combined with difficulties in recruiting staff.

Covid rates increased over the last few weeks and the NHS is experiencing demands for their services.

B&NES Council Leader, Councillor Kevin Guy said: “The Council’s capacity in key services, including care and waste collection is under ongoing pressure after 19-months of Covid response. This, coupled with external pressures in the economy, including driver shortages, is creating a huge challenge for us.

‘It is important that our residents understand we are working to mitigate the challenges we face, but they can expect to see some service disruption in the coming months.

“We are still coping with the impact of Covid and we are also dealing with external supply chain pressures.

“I am asking residents and business to work with us to help protect services as much as possible.”

Will Godfrey, Bath & North East Somerset Council Chief Executive, said: “We will continue to prioritise services for our most vulnerable residents but it is important people are aware, as we head into winter, of the strain the Council, like many organisations, is under.”

The NHS is calling on people to prepare for winter and play their part by:

• Practicing self-care with keeping a medicine cupboard at home well-stocked with the essentials,

• Seeking advice from pharmacies at first sign of illness,

• Thinking 111 First – visiting NHS 111 online (as a preference to calling 111) for health advice or to get a booked appointment,

• Instead of going directly to A&E when it’s not life-threatening.

• Using local health and care services appropriately; knowing where to go for help, including GP extended hours and use of minor injury units and walk-in centres.

• Continuing to follow all Government and healthcare advice and guidance in relation to Coronavirus, including social distancing, hand hygiene, face coverings and self-isolation.

• Following all visitor guidance in hospitals and healthcare settings to reduce footfall where possible and reduce the spread of infection.

• Going to A&E, or calling 999 if you do have a life-threatening emergency.

You can find out about missed bin collections at: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/waste-disruptions and report missed collections at: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/report-missed-bin-collection

To find out about working in social care, please visit: https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/proudtocare

At a virtual press briefing held last week on winter pressures by NHS Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group, potential disruption to school services was discussed. 78% of sixteen-year-olds have now had vaccines, which Rebecca Reynolds, Director of Public Health and Prevention for Bath and North East Somerset Council, said was making a difference.

She expressed the importance of continued regular testing and school measures that have been put in place, such as staggered break times and added she would encourage everyone over the age of twelve to have the vaccine when it was made available to them to keep a control over the virus.