Bristol City Council Budget Decisions Draw Community Attention

Bristol City Council approved its 2026/27 budget that includes a 4.99 per cent council tax rise, adding roughly £130 a year for a Band D property. The decision follows the shift away from a directly elected mayor system after the May referendum.

Tax Rise and Household Impacts

The increase incorporates 2 per cent dedicated to adult social care. Council tax bills will reflect this rate across Bristol wards, affecting households that rely on local services funded through these revenues. Community members have noted the adjustment comes at a time when many track annual changes to their outgoings closely.

New Governance Structure

The council now runs under a committee-based model with eight committees handling major services. The Green Party holds 34 of the 70 seats across 35 wards, leaving no single party with overall control. Negotiations continue to form the new governing body and select a council leader. Recent committee work produced the Co-Living Supplementary Planning Document, approved on 1 June 2026 by the Economy and Skills Policy Committee.

Allocations for Environment and Care

The budget sets aside £2.8 million to address ash dieback affecting up to 4,000 trees. Over £3 million has been approved to help foster carers adapt their homes. These measures follow public consultation on related Traffic Regulation Orders and reflect priorities in the new committee framework.

With the committee system in place, future decisions on planning and spending will route through the eight groups rather than a single mayor. Residents can follow updates through the council’s published meeting schedules and policy documents as the 2026/27 financial year progresses.