Bristol City Council

Recent floods show once again that it’s high time to formally recognise the rights of the River Avon

Rivers are rights-bearing beings that deserve to have a voice in our decision-making structures – and to be treated as life-sustaining ecosystems, not vessels to carry away human waste.

Listen: Bristol Unpacked with Samira Musse on community power, how to consult with people, and giving kids confidence lessons

What do the powers-that-be get wrong when they come to talk to communities – and how could this be done better? And why are youth services so crucial?

‘Liveable neighbourhoods’ have caused uproar in east Bristol. How will they fare south of the river?

The council has started consulting on making large areas of south Bristol friendlier to pedestrians and cyclists. What do residents want – and have lessons been learned about how to communicate with them?

One of Bristol’s worst ‘eyesore’ buildings has partially collapsed. What is the council doing about it?

The roof of a building owned by a notorious Bristol landlord has caved in, after years of attempts to force him to clean it up.

Enduring trauma, and a struggle for justice: one year on from the Barton House high-rise evacuation

On 14 November 2023 an east Bristol tower block was evacuated over fears it could collapse, making national news. A year on, residents tell the Cable about the disruption to their lives, the ongoing impact on their wellbeing and their children's – and how a community has been left traumatised.

‘Bristol’s council housing failings are shocking – but are just the tip of a massive national iceberg’

Decades of underinvestment in council homes by central government have led to unacceptable living standards for tenants, in our city and across the country. A national solution is needed.

Early failures by council in Bristol Beacon revamp cost millions, report finds

The cost of refurbishing the iconic Bristol music venue almost tripled from £48million to £132million.

Watchdog finds ‘serious failings’ after concluding council does not know what state its housing is in

Bristol City Council has been called out by a government regulator for not meeting new quality standards, with thousands of repairs and damp and mould cases long overdue for action and many safety check records missing.

‘This is long overdue’: campaigning high-rise residents promised action to improve their homes

After years of living in crumbling, leaking housing, and putting pressure on the council to take action, people in neglected blocks of flats at St Jude's hope change is finally coming.

Listen: The Debrief – what does Bristol’s Green surge mean for the city, and what next for the council under a new committee system?

The Green Party became Bristol's largest party at local elections on 2 May, falling just short of an overall majority. As Bristol kisses goodbye to its mayoral system, what will happen next?

Green surge secures historic victory at Bristol council elections

The Green Party gained 10 seats, mostly from Labour, but fell just short of a majority. Now, they will go into Bristol's new committee system as the largest party, but restated their commitment to work with others in leading the council.

From activists to councillors: the local election candidates taking the plunge into party politics

With a new committee system about to give councillors more power, the Cable spoke to some of the new faces hoping to take their desire for change to City Hall.