Greens’ hard work pays off in budget that delivers for Bristol

Bristol City Council’s proposed 2026/27 budget, put forward by Green Council Leader Tony Dyer, aims to “get the basics right” while continuing to invest in the city’s long-term future.

The plan has been referred by the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee and will go to a vote at Full Council on 12 February.

Dyer says the Greens have moved the council from financial instability to a more secure footing after years of austerity and what he describes as unsustainable finances under the previous Labour administration. He argues the new budget both stabilises services and begins reversing past cuts, despite ongoing national pressures on local government funding.

The package protects key community programmes, including the Bristol Impact Fund, Cultural Investment Programme and library budget. It commits funding to reopen public toilets, improve fly-tipping removal and street cleansing, upgrade recycling services and invest in planning enforcement. Support for vulnerable residents is included through the Local Crisis Prevention Fund and carers’ breaks.

Housing remains a major focus, with £203 million planned to improve council homes, tackle homelessness and continue delivering new affordable housing. Adult social care and children’s services — which take up a large share of spending — will see continued investment in prevention, workforce development, in-house provision and specialist placements.

Environmental goals also feature strongly, with further spending on decarbonising council buildings and supporting community energy, alongside transport investment for road maintenance, active travel and safer streets. Additional funding for playgrounds, youth provision and public health services underlines what councillors describe as a people-focused budget, while leaders continue to call for fairer national funding for councils.