Alex Seabrook

Local Democracy Reporter

Image of Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and his West of Englad counterpart Dan Norris.

Reports

West of England mayor holds talks with Andy Burnham about bus franchising after local campaign

Metro Mayor Dan Norris has faced months of calls to formally explore taking Bristol's struggling bus services back into public control.

Police and council defend safeguarding app after calls to stop collecting info on vulnerable young people

Row over shopping centre demolition decision grinds on after government walks away from intervening

Reports

Bristol City Council slapped with warning over poor performance on freedom of information requests

The local authority has been criticised for years over its failure to responding to FOI requests within 20-day timescales.

Reports

Greens win council by-election and keep seat to stay largest party in Bristol

Reports

Bristol won’t bring in parking levy to fund transport as council forced to publish report

Plans for 144 homes at South Bristol wildlife haven on dangerously steep hill are rejected

Developers’ proposals to build the new houses and apartments on the Western Slopes in Knowle West have been refused over road safety concerns and how steep the hill is

South Bristol shopping centre will be knocked down after planning councillors’ shock U-turn

Opposition councillors slammed a decision to redevelop the Broadwalk Shopping Centre after a developer said it could deliver extra affordable homes there – although no promises were made.

Bristol council asks government for powers to control rents and tackle housing crisis

The local authority should have the ability to cap how much landlords can increase rents, an expert commission on renting in the city says.

Bristol Zoo: Plans approved for nearly 200 homes despite huge public opposition

Almost 10,000 petitioners urged Bristol City Council to refuse planning permission for the scheme.

This week in Bristol: Metro Mayor hasn’t formally analysed bus franchising

Pressure is growing on West of England metro mayor Dan Norris to investigate bringing buses under more public control.

Green Party wins Bristol by-election race, becoming largest party on city council

Patrick McAllister was elected the new councillor for Hotwells and Harbourside following a battle that could prove a good indicator of how elections might turn out next year.