Innovative solutions to Council’s budgetary pressures sought by Liberal Democrats

Bristol City Council’s proposed budget aims to balance the books while plugging a £52 million funding gap in the council’s finances. After years of local government underfunding by Conservative Governments and reckless decisions by Bristol Labour, councillors are being asked to approve £43 million of savings and increased revenue in the forthcoming budget meeting.

Cllr Caroline Gooch (Liberal Democrat, Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze) said “The Council has been left in a difficult position where it has had to consider a whole host of savings options to plug the financial black hole. Some of the most difficult savings, including a slashing of our library service, Lib Dem colleagues and I have managed to avert.

“However, being forced to find savings is not the position we want to be in as Liberal Democrats. We need to be investing in our services for the good of our city.”

Seeking to allow for additional investment in Bristol, the Liberal Democrat group have submitted amendments to the budget meeting proposing additional revenue streams the council could adopt.

One amendment, submitted by Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Jos Clark (Brislington West) calls for a feasibility study into a visitor charge. Speaking to the amendment, Cllr Clark explained “Across the country, more and more cities are adopting a visitor charge as a means of generating investment in their tourism sectors.

“The charge is applied to hotel guests staying in the city and might mean that visitors pay a couple of extra pounds per room per night. This means that, as a popular destination city, we can continue to invest in our rich cultural heritage and create a sustainable tourist economy.

“It is essential that Bristol pursues adopting this innovative revenue stream. We cannot afford to be left behind.”

For the group’s second amendment, Cllr Stephen Williams (Liberal Democrat, Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze) has proposed that the council sets up a method to allow Bristolians to support community groups with voluntary donations. 

On the need for community funding, Cllr Williams said “The work done by community groups is deeply important, and often can’t be replicated by other bodies. Unfortunately, due to the council’s precarious financial situation, future funding for these groups is due to be scaled back. Bristolians should be able to contribute their own voluntary donations towards these good causes if they are able and wish to do so.”

The proposed budget will reduce funding for the Bristol Impact Fund, a four-year grant programme run by the council, by 16% from 2026 onwards. Cllr Williams’ proposed Community Contribution Fund would supplement the fund in the first instance.

A party spokesperson said “The Liberal Democrats are committed to finding alternate income streams for the council, and we will not settle for a state of decline left behind by Bristol Labour. We believe that Bristol deserves better, and we will continue to fight for a fair deal for Bristolians.”

Notes to editors:

1. Previous press releases from the Liberal Democrats regarding the budget:
   1. Local Government Finance Settlement Response from Bristol Lib Dem Councillors - Bristol Liberal Democrats
   2. Bristol Lib Dems fight against proposed library closures - Bristol Liberal Democrats
   3. Liberal Democrats Welcome City’s Draft Budget Proposals - Bristol Liberal Democrats
2. Papers for the budget Full Council meeting on 25^th February: ModernGov - bristol.gov.uk
3. Cllr Caroline Gooch (Liberal Democrat, Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze) shall second the budget as Vice-Chair of the Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee.
4. Cllr Jos Clark (Liberal Democrat, Brislington West) is Leader of the Liberal Democrat group.
5. Cllr Stephen Williams (Liberal Democrat, Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze) is Chair of the Council’s Public Health and Communities Committee.
6. In England, visitor charges may be established by Accommodation Business Improvement Districts (ABIDs). Manchester and Liverpool are two cities that have implemented a visitor charge successfully, the former raising £2.8m in its first year.
7. In Scotland and Wales, devolved legislation is being either investigated or implemented to allow local authorities to directly implement visitor charges themselves.
8. A Community Contribution Fund would follow a similar model as adopted by Bath and North East Somerset Council. More information: Donate to the Community Contribution Fund | Bath and North East Somerset Council