Bristol City Council's full council meeting on 9 September 2025 saw councillors approve a refreshed Armed Forces Covenant, note annual reports from the Audit and Human Resources committees, and agree to submit a proposal to increase the council size to the Local Government Boundary Commission England (LGBCE). A motion opposing the expansion of Bristol Airport was also carried, while a motion on school holiday childcare was amended and then approved.

Here's a breakdown of the key discussions:

• Bristol Airport Expansion
• School Holiday Childcare
• Council Size Submission
• Armed Forces Covenant
• Equity and Inclusion Annual Progress Report
• Statement of Licensing Policy
• Appointment of Independent Persons
• Police and Crime Annual Report
• Petitions

Bristol Airport Expansion

The council voted to oppose the expansion of Bristol Airport and to call on the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State and the Aviation Minister requesting:

• A national cumulative assessment of CO2 emissions from all airports and their impact on the UK's legally binding net zero targets before any further expansion of airports is approved.
• The introduction of a new charge on ultra-frequent flyers and higher taxes on carbon emissions.

The motion, moved by Councillor Izzy Russell and seconded by Councillor Serena Ralston, highlighted that the airport already has permission to expand from 10 million to 12 million passengers a year, which is yet to be implemented, and has stated its intent to submit a planning application soon for a further expansion to 15 million passengers per year.

The motion also noted that of the more than 11,000 people who took part in local formal planning consultations regarding the previous planning application, 84% were against expansion, as were the local MP, the WECA Mayor and the surrounding councils.

School Holiday Childcare

The council approved an amended motion relating to school holiday childcare.

The original motion, moved by Councillor Kirsty Tait and seconded by Councillor Katja Hornchen, called on relevant committees to explore interim solutions that expand access to holiday childcare, particularly for overlooked groups such as children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), young carers, and low-income working families. It also resolved to write to the Secretary of State for Education to commit to extending the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme beyond the next financial year and call for a national wraparound and holiday childcare strategy, modelled on the 30-hour offer¹, offering Bristol, or a ward within Bristol, as a fully funded pilot area.

Councillor Christine Townsend then moved an amendment, seconded by Councillor Shona Jemphrey, and CARRIED (41 For, 0 Against, 19 Abstaining).

The amended motion included a call for interim solutions to also seek to support and improve the situation concerning respite breaks for parents and carers.

Council Size Submission

The council approved a submission to the Local Government Boundary Commission England (LGBCE) recommending an increase in the number of councillors from 70 to 76, to come into effect at the May 2028 elections.

The report, moved by Tim O'Gara, Director of Legal and Democratic Services, stated that the LGBCE is the independent body responsible for determining the electoral arrangements of local authorities across England, and is undertaking an electoral review of Bristol City Council.

The report also stated that the Council recommends an increase in council size of six new members, and that the budget impact equates to a total cost of £117,102 in 2025/26, increasing to £124,272 by 2028/29 after adjusting for budget inflation of 2% per annum.

The submission on council size stated that:

In the 25 years since the last increase in the size of the Council, there have been significant demographic changes in the City of Bristol, the local government landscape has evolved, in particular the way in which councils make decisions and how elected councillors engage with their residents.

The submission also stated that the electorate in 2031 will be 351,700, 20.34% larger with an addition of 59,444 people.

Armed Forces Covenant

The council approved and adopted the refreshed Armed Forces Covenant. Councillor Jos Clark moved the report as Armed Forces Champion.

Equity and Inclusion Annual Progress Report

The council noted the Equity and Inclusion Annual Progress Report, moved by Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of the Council.

Statement of Licensing Policy

The council approved the adoption of the new five-year Statement of Licensing Policy following consultation. Councillor Fabian Breckels, Chair of the Licensing Committee, moved the report, and Councillor Guy Poultney seconded it.

Appointment of Independent Persons

The council appointed Josephine Williams as an Independent Member of the Audit Committee for a period of 4 years, with the option to extend for a further 2 years. The Lord Mayor moved the report, and the Deputy Lord Mayor seconded it.

Police and Crime Annual Report

The council noted the Police and Crime Panel Annual Report, moved by Councillor Sibusiso Tshabalala and Councillor Lisa Durston, Bristol Representatives on the Panel.

Petitions

The Full Council received and noted the following petitions:

The Full Council also considered a report of the Director – Legal and Democratic Services setting out details of a petition 'Protect the Downs'. The petition had reached the 3,500 signature threshold to qualify for a Full Council debate. Following the debate it was RESOLVED: That the petition and the comments from the debate be noted and referred to the Leader or relevant Policy Committee Chair for response.

The Full Council also considered a report of the Director – Legal and Democratic Services setting out details of a petition 'Regenerate Whitchurch Athletics Track'. The petition had reached the 3,500 signature threshold to qualify for a Full Council debate. Following the debate it was RESOLVED: That the petition and the comments from the debate be noted and referred to the Leader or relevant Policy Committee Chair for response.