This week, the Bristol City Council held several meetings, with the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee on Monday, 17 June 2024, being the most significant.

Strategy and Resources Policy Committee Highlights:

1. Establishment of the Committee:

   • This was the inaugural meeting of the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee under the new committee governance system. Councillor Tony Dyer was appointed as Chair, and Councillor Caroline Gooch as Vice Chair. The committee's terms of reference and meeting dates for the year were also established.

2. Annual Business Report:

   • The committee reviewed the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee Annual Business Report, which included the membership of the committee and the finance subcommittee. Two task groups were established: one focusing on the corporate property estate and another on culture strategy.

3. Performance Framework and Business Plan:

   • The committee discussed the Council's business plan for 2024/25, which outlines how the Council will progress its key commitments as per the Corporate Strategy 2022-2027. The performance framework was also presented, detailing how the Council manages and reports performance progress against business plan targets.

4. Equity and Inclusion Annual Progress Report:

   • The committee noted the Equity and Inclusion Annual Progress Report for 2023/2024. This report highlighted the Council's compliance with statutory obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty and outlined progress on key equity objectives, including leadership, a diverse workforce, council services, partnership working, and community engagement.

5. Household Support Fund Policy:

   • The committee approved the Household Support Fund Policy for April to September 2024, allocating £4 million to support vulnerable households with the cost of living. This includes targeted support for free school meal recipients, low-income households, care leavers, and various community support initiatives.

6. Procurement of Payment Vouchers:

   • The committee approved the procurement of a contract to provide food, supermarket, and fuel vouchers worth up to £5 million per year for three years. This will assist in the distribution of financial assistance to low-income households.

7. Finance Provisional Outturn Report:

   • The committee reviewed the Council's financial performance for the 2023/2024 financial year. Key points included a balanced general fund position, a £2.2 million underspend in the housing revenue account, and ongoing financial pressures in areas such as homelessness and children's services.

Other Meetings:

• Public Safety & Protection Sub-Committee on Tuesday, 18 June 2024. No video was provided.
• Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee on Thursday, 20 June 2024. No video was provided.
• Public Health and Communities Policy Committee on Friday, 21 June 2024. No video was provided.

Implications and Themes:

The establishment of the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee marks a significant shift in the Council's governance structure, emphasizing a more committee-based approach to decision-making. The approval of the Household Support Fund Policy and the procurement of payment vouchers highlight the Council's ongoing efforts to support vulnerable residents amid the cost-of-living crisis.

The discussions on the performance framework and business plan underscore the Council's commitment to transparency and accountability in achieving its strategic goals. The Equity and Inclusion Annual Progress Report reflects the Council's dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all residents.

In summary, this week's Strategy and Resources Policy Committee meeting was foundational, setting up key structures and policies that will shape Bristol's governance and support systems in the coming year. The emphasis on transparency, equity, and robust financial management is a positive sign for the city's future.

This week, the Bristol City Council held several meetings, with the Full Council meeting on Monday, 03 June 2024, being the most significant.

Full Council Meeting Highlights:

1. Appointment of Chief Executive:

   • Paul Martin was appointed as the Interim Chief Executive. Councillor Tony Dyer, the leader, emphasized the robustness of the selection process, which included cross-party membership and an independent assessment by the Local Government Association (LGA). The motion was carried with a clear majority. Councillor Dyer stated: > The LGA provided an independent person who also assessed the process as being robust. I therefore propose that we appoint Paul Martin as the Interim Chief Executive. — Councillor Tony Dyer

2. Administrative Proceedings:

   • The meeting began with routine administrative tasks, including apologies for absence and declarations of interest. No public forum was received for this meeting.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the next full Council meeting on Tuesday, 9th July.

Other Meetings:

• Public Safety and Protection Committee on Tuesday, 04 June 2024.
• Development Control A Committee on Wednesday, 05 June 2024.
• Licensing Committee on Thursday, 06 June 2024.

Implications and Themes:

The appointment of Paul Martin as Interim Chief Executive is a critical development, setting the stage for leadership in the council's administrative functions. The emphasis on a robust and transparent selection process underscores the council's commitment to effective governance.

Routine administrative proceedings, while procedural, are essential for the council's functionality, ensuring that all members are accounted for and any potential conflicts of interest are declared.

The upcoming meetings of the Public Safety and Protection Committee, Development Control A Committee, and Licensing Committee indicate ongoing efforts in various aspects of city governance, from public safety to urban development and regulatory oversight.

In summary, this week's Full Council meeting was foundational, focusing on leadership appointments and routine administrative tasks that ensure the council's smooth operation. The emphasis on transparency and robust processes is a positive sign for the city's governance.

This week, the Bristol City Council held several meetings, with the Full Council meeting on Tuesday, 21 May 2024, being the most significant.

Full Council Meeting Highlights:

1. Election of New Officials:

   • Lord Mayor: Councillor Andrew Varney was elected as the new Lord Mayor. Councillor Clark praised Andrew's dedication and people skills, while Councillor Blanking's up emphasized his experience and commitment. The motion was carried unanimously.
   • Deputy Lord Mayor: Councillor Paul Goggin was elected as the Deputy Lord Mayor. Councillor Zowie-Pete noted Paul's resilience and dedication despite health challenges, and Councillor Classic wished him a less dramatic year. The motion was carried unanimously.

2. Tributes to Outgoing Officials:

   • Paul Goggin: Councillors Tom Renard and Paula Rourke praised Paul for his service as Lord Mayor, highlighting his recovery from a severe illness and his recent marriage.
   • Paula Rourke: Councillors McAllister and Mark Weston thanked Paula for her service as Deputy Lord Mayor, noting her dedication and effective management of Council meetings.

3. Tributes to Deceased Aldermen:

   • Peter Abraham: Councillors Rob Briar, Brickels, Stephen Williams, and Richard Eddy paid tribute to Peter Abraham, highlighting his long service, effective oratory, and dedication to Bristol. Peter served as a councillor for over 55 years and was a three-term Lord Mayor.
   • Brian Richards: Councillor Brickels and Richard Eddy also paid tribute to Brian Richards, noting his long service as a councillor and his contributions to various community organizations.

4. Establishment of Committees: The Council approved the establishment of committees for the year 2024-2025, along with the allocation of seats and appointment of members to these committees. The motion was carried unanimously.

5. Appointment of Leader and Deputy Leader:

   • Leader: Councillor Tony Dyer was appointed as the Leader of the Council. In his address, Tony emphasized the importance of cross-party collaboration and the responsibility of councillors to make informed decisions for the benefit of Bristol's residents.
   • Deputy Leader: Councillor Heather Mack was appointed as the Deputy Leader. The motion was carried unanimously.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the next full Council meeting on Tuesday, 9th July, and an invitation to refreshments in the Queen Elizabeth Conference Hall.

Other Meetings:

• Health and Wellbeing Board on Thursday, 23 May 2024. No video broadcast was available.
• Selection Committee on Monday, 20 May 2024. No video broadcast was available.
• Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee on Thursday, 23 May 2024. No video broadcast was available.

Implications and Themes:

The election of new officials and the establishment of committees set the stage for the Council's work in the coming year. Councillor Andrew Varney's unanimous election as Lord Mayor and Councillor Paul Goggin's as Deputy Lord Mayor reflect a strong consensus on leadership. The tributes to Peter Abraham and Brian Richards remind us of the long-term dedication required for effective public service.

Councillor Tony Dyer's emphasis on cross-party collaboration as the new Leader suggests a focus on unity and informed decision-making. This aligns with themes we've discussed before about the importance of collaboration in addressing Bristol's challenges.

The establishment of committees is crucial for the Council's functionality, ensuring that various aspects of city governance are managed effectively. This foundational work will influence how policies and projects are developed and implemented throughout the year.

In summary, this week's Full Council meeting was foundational, setting up leadership and committee structures that will shape Bristol's governance in the coming year. The emphasis on collaboration and informed decision-making is a positive sign for the city's future.

This week, the Bristol City Council held a pivotal meeting under the Development Control A Committee on Wednesday, 24 April 2024. The meeting was crucial, focusing on significant urban development projects that will shape the city's landscape and housing availability.

Key Decisions and Discussions:

1. Baltic Wharf Caravan Park Redevelopment: The committee approved the transformation of the Baltic Wharf Caravan Park into a residential area featuring 166 housing units. This decision was not without controversy, as it involved considerations about flood risk and environmental impact, particularly the loss of mature trees. However, the inclusion of affordable housing and improved public waterfront access were decisive factors. The approval sets a precedent for handling development proposals in high flood-risk areas, a recurring theme in urban planning discussions.

2. Debenhams Site Redevelopment: Another major approval was for the redevelopment of the former Debenhams site in Broadmead into a mixed-use high-rise with 502 residential units. The project sparked a debate over its impact on Bristol's skyline and its potential to overshadow nearby historical sites. Despite these concerns, the committee sided with the need for more housing and the opportunity to revitalize the Broadmead shopping district. This decision highlights ongoing tensions between urban densification and the preservation of the city's historical character.

Additional Insights:

The meeting also served as a platform to acknowledge the contributions of outgoing committee members, emphasizing the human element behind these urban planning decisions. The discussions underscored the council's ongoing challenge of balancing development needs with conservation priorities, a theme that is likely to persist in future deliberations.

The Human Resources Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, 25 April 2024, was cancelled, and no further details were provided.

This week's meeting on urban development not only reflects on immediate project approvals but also on broader themes of sustainable development and heritage conservation that we will continue to explore in upcoming updates.