‘A committee system in Bristol risks a return to delay, stagnation and insecurity’

The impending mayoral referendum gives the city an opportunity to reinforce its commitment to strong leadership.

Whilst there is a powerful argument for making some adjustments to the mayoral system – more checks and balances and strengthening the role of councillors – I feel that going back to the previous committee structure risks undermining factors that are instrumental to the future success of Bristol.

In JLL’s recent report mapping the success of different global cities, we identified one common ingredient that turned medium-sized cities into global success stories and that is the vital role of governance and leadership.

Our city is facing some major challenges: the cost of living, transport, social housing, climate change and tackling inequality.  Added to that, there is the global financial strain caused by Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine, creating an economic environment that has some real downside risks.

But we can also look forward to some exciting opportunities to build on our creative capital, create a city where wealth is shared more equally and a sustainable city with a green ethos at its heart.

There are many major challenges facing Bristol  – photo: Betty Woolerton

To attract the investment and orchestrate the strategy needed to tackle these challenges and turn these aspirations into reality, we need stable leadership with a strong vision and a long-term approach.

Around the world, cities such as Berlin, Munich, Stockholm and Boston are putting words into action to build cities where everyone prospers.

They are investing in transport to link diverse populations around their cities with their central employment districts, building social housing to accommodate growing populations and attracting investment, both public and private to improve infrastructure.

Like Bristol, all four have many quality of life advantages and, if like them, we can maintain strong leadership and decisive decision-making, then we have a better chance of future-proofing our city.

As head of JLL in the regions, I see how Bristol compares with other cities in the UK and in many of them, the mayoral role provides a city champion and figurehead.

Successful cities need to be able to compete on a national and international stage to attract investment, create jobs at all levels, students and cultural programmes and a strong city mayor can vocalise that vision and propel Bristol onto that stage.

I fear that a return to the committee system risks a return to delay, to stagnation and insecurity.  Business and investors need stable and secure governance if they are to have the confidence to invest in job creation and infrastructure.

From Paris to Pittsburgh, mayors are driving forward the practical changes needed to create the cities of the future and despite the shortcomings of the current mayoral system, I don’t believe that Bristol’s best interests are served by abandoning the approach now.

I urge everyone to be forward-thinking, consider carefully the type of city and leadership we want and use your vote to help shape the future of Bristol.

Bristol24/7 will be hosting a Twitter Space on Tuesday, May 3 at 7pm where people in favour of retaining the mayoral system and people who want to change to a committee system will be invited to speak

Simon Peacock believes the mayoral system is better for Bristol – photo: JLL

Simon Peacock is head of UK regions and of the South West at leading property consultancy JLL

Main photo: Sarah Dalton

Read more: ‘We need scrutiny, we need accountability and we need transparency’ 

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