Bristol City Council Approves Tax Rise and Planning Measures Through Committee Decisions

Bristol City Council approved a 4.99% council tax rise for 2026/27 that includes a 2% increase for adult social care and produces an approximate £130 annual increase for Band D properties. The decision forms part of the council's ongoing work to fund local services.

Council Tax and Social Care Funding

The tax adjustment directly supports adult social care provision across the city. Residents in Band D properties face the stated annual increase as a result of the combined rises. This step reflects the council's approach to balancing service demands with revenue collection.

Co-Living Planning Rules

On 1 June 2026 the council adopted the Co-Living Supplementary Planning Document after approval by the Economy and Skills Policy Committee. The document sets out guidance for future development proposals involving shared-living schemes and integrates into the authority's planning framework.

A432 Consultation and Traffic Orders

The council published the A432 consultation report in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council. Following feedback received during the process, the authority approved Traffic Regulation Orders to address identified issues along the route.

Tree Management and Parking Zones

Bristol City Council allocated £2.8m for work on up to 4,000 trees affected by ash dieback. The council is also considering new zones aimed at managing traffic and parking pressures in affected areas.

Current Governance Arrangements

The Green Party holds 34 out of 70 seats and no single party has overall control. The council now operates under a committee-based governance structure that replaced the previous elected mayor system. Decisions on the tax rise, planning document, A432 orders and tree funding have been taken within this committee framework.

Further updates on implementation of these measures will be reported through the council's established channels as work progresses.