Bristol City Council passes 4.99% tax rise, allocates millions for tree disease and foster care

Bristol City Council has approved a 4.99% increase in council tax for the 2026/27 financial year, including a 2% precept for adult social care. The rise means an additional approximately £130 annually for a Band D property, according to council budget documents. The decision was made as the authority operates under a new committee-based governance model following the abolition of the directly-elected mayor role via a May referendum.

Why this matters now

The tax increase comes at a time when the council is reshaping how it makes decisions. After voters chose to scrap the directly-elected mayor system in a referendum held earlier this year, the council now runs through eight committees that oversee major services. The Green Party holds 34 of the 70 seats across 35 wards, meaning no single party has overall control. Negotiations are underway to establish a new governing body and select a council leader. This transition adds pressure on the budget process, as the council must balance rising costs with limited income.

Local services and funding decisions

The council has allocated £2.8 million to treat up to 4,000 trees infected with ash dieback across the city, a disease that weakens and kills ash trees, posing risks to public safety and green spaces. In addition, more than £3 million in funding has been approved to help foster carers adapt their homes, supporting the council’s efforts to maintain and grow its foster care network. Recent committee decisions also include the adoption of the Co-Living Supplementary Planning Document on 1 June 2026, which sets standards for new co-living developments, and the approval of Traffic Regulation Orders following public consultation.

Evidence from the budget

The 4.99% council tax increase is the highest allowed without a local referendum and represents a significant burden for many households. The adult social care precept of 2% is ring-fenced to fund care for elderly and disabled residents. The budget documents show the council is prioritising statutory services while also addressing environmental and child welfare needs. The allocation for ash dieback treatment, in particular, reflects the scale of the problem: up to 4,000 trees are affected, and treatment or removal is necessary to prevent further spread and ensure public safety.

Next steps for the council include finalising the new committee-based governance structure and working with the Green Party’s 34 seats to form a stable administration. Residents can expect further consultations on traffic changes and planning policies as the committees begin their work. The council has not announced any further tax rises for the current year but will review the budget again in early 2027.