‘We hope to spark a real conversation about the future of Bristol’

It is often said that Bristol is a progressive city and, whilst there is more diversity of opinion here than that statement suggests, we believe there is broad agreement as to what our city should be like.

We want to identify, define and build on these foundations; bringing the city together to discuss and help shape our future.

To this end, we are setting out our thoughts in a series of articles which we hope will stimulate a range of responses and ideas from citizens and councillors alike.

Following May’s referendum, Bristol City Council is starting to consider the details of the new committee system – learning from other authorities on what works and what doesn’t.

This process will be informed by input from councillors, experts and you – the residents who make this city what it is.

A cross-party group successfully campaigned to scrap the mayoral system in May – photo: Betty Woolerton

After all, democracy doesn’t just exist in the Council House, it is integral to everything.

So what do I think should underpin the new committee system?

Citizen involvement

With every decision, the best outcomes flow from working with people. At a community level, we should seek to re-visit having focused consultations with residents – reforming and revising the neighbourhood forums and partnerships to make them fit for the 21st century and the new system.

Giving people greater control over the spending priorities in their localities with councillors helping them make informed and responsible decisions.

Funding for those communities with less established civic networks could be used to increase resilience and build capacity that could be used to access other sources of investment. Sheffield’s new committee structure has “baked in” local decision-making.

Anthony Negus argues democracy shouldn’t just exist within City Hall – photo: Rachel Sutherland

We should also re-examine the way we engage with residents, businesses and third sector organisations at the city level: The One City structure should be opened up so that councillors can have input into discussions and scrutiny of the outcomes. Greater transparency will increase public trust and unlock hidden value.

A democratically accountable approach – ‘One City Plus’ – will be a win-win for both the council and city.

Finally, there is a good case for reintroducing periodic citizens’ panels using deliberative democracy to test and review proposals for the city. The new structure should build in increased accountability for delivering on the outcomes of these panels.

Officers

Our civil servants ensure the council works to the rules, delivers statutory and other services, manages day-to-day spending, advises on our relationship with central government, including bidding for additional grants and funds. They research and prepare reports which form the basis of approved policy and action.

The new approach must ensure that development of policies and strategy involve councillors at a much earlier stage than at present when most consultation, and scrutiny, occur too late after final reports are submitted. Broadening the approach will facilitate constructive intervention and involvement by councillors and citizens alike.

Bristol’s mayor and cabinet system is to be replaced with a committee model of governance – photo: Labour Party

Committees and council

In the new system, the cabinet – which currently rubber stamps decisions that have already been made – will be replaced by committees. This is an opportunity to fundamentally change the way things are done, facilitating real discussion on proposals and allowing for thorough examinations.

Papers could be provided with options, allowing the committees to decide on actions in open, public and accountable forums. More open meetings should spur on officers to be more creative rather than bureaucratic. Those decisions reserved to full council should also adopt an open approach to decision-making – and motions passed should be formally adopted into the council’s work programme with progress reported at subsequent meetings.

We hope to spark a real conversation so please send your thoughts to Bristol24/7 by emailing ellie@bristol247.com. We hope these will be considered by councillors who are right now planning councils’ future, which we believe should be founded on more engagement with our citizens.

Anthony Negus is a former Lib Dem councillor and one of a cross-party group passionate about forging a different system of governance in Bristol

Main photo: Betty Woolerton

Read next:

• Bristol votes to scrap mayoral model of governance
• ‘Let’s grasp the opportunity to make a good city for all’
• ‘How can we reach net zero when our city transport system is in shambles?’

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