A very merry Christmas to you from all of us in the Labour Group on South Gloucestershire Council!

I always find this time of year comes around so quickly. It only feels like yesterday that we were at the election count when residents voted for a change in the way things are done in South Gloucestershire. Since then, we’ve unveiled our Local Plan for genuinely affordable housing and launched a Care Leaver’s Bus Pass with the West of England Combined Authority. By the end of the year, we’ll have helped up to 30,000 people in need through our Household Support Fund, and as Cabinet Member for Education, I’ve been pushing for a firm start date for the delivery of Lyde Green School. At long last, activity has now started on site and building work will start next year – with an expected opening date in September 2026.

We’re aware Christmas can be a difficult time for some residents. Some Community Welcome Spaces will be open over the holidays to offer a warm place to spend the day with friendship and valuable cost of living advice. We’ve also given out 1,000 warm packs with hats, gloves, socks, and blankets. The One Stop Shops in Kingswood, Patchway and Yate will also be open from December 28th 2023.

My heartfelt thanks to everyone who’s looking out for others over the festive period: whether you’re working in the emergency services, a community or faith-based organisation, or simply knocking on your neighbour’s door to check how they are.

Have a peaceful Christmas and New Year,

Ian Boulton