Greens Slam Starmer’s Plans to Abolish Bristol’s Committee System as ‘Undemocratic and Clueless’

Bristol Greens have slammed Keir Starmer’s government’s announcement to abolish Bristol’s committee system as “undemocratic and clueless”.

Cllr Heather Mack, Deputy Leader of Bristol City Council, said; “The decision from Starmer’s government to abolish the committee system is about as undemocratic and clueless as it comes.

“In 2012, Bristol democratically rejected the leader and cabinet model and in 2022 chose the committee system in a city-wide referendum; a system which Greens backed for more transparent and more collaborative decision making.

“This announcement ignores these decisions and will change Bristol’s governance structure for the third time in 13 years without consulting local authorities. This is totally at odds with the devolved powers that Labour advocate for and is an insult to Bristol. Keir Starmer clearly does not think that local people can make the best choices for themselves.

“Most importantly, this will not solve the big problems we face. Greens have been asking successive governments for years for proper funding to address the many crises in local government.

“Labour promised change but they have no answers when it comes to the real issues local authorities and residents face – crisis in the private rental sector, SEND provision, increasing demand for adult social care and meeting net zero commitments.

“All the while they are attempting to squash a rebellion of their own Labour MPs so they can plunge hundreds of thousands into poverty by slashing their benefits.”

“This Labour government has no plan to improve the lives of working people in Bristol, who will be rightly outraged with them once again meddling with local democratic decisions while providing no respite from 15 years of austerity.

“We need proper investment in communities, funded by a tax on the ultra-rich, or this Government will feel the consequences at the next election.”

After one year of the committee system, the Greens in Bristol have been working hard to get the basics right and have criticised Bristol Labour for “refusing to take part in positive, cross-party work”.

Cllr Emma Edwards, Leader of the Green Group said, “Over the last year, Greens, the Liberal Democrats and even the Conservatives have worked collaboratively to get the basics right.

“We have brought council finances under control after years of chaos under Marvin Rees, significantly improved children’s services, addressed failures identified by the regulator of social housing, implemented ambitious housing and transport projects, and have begun to work effectively with the new Mayor of the West of England.

“The committee system allows all 70 councillors who are elected to represent the whole city a seat at the table, as well as providing more forums for public engagement. We do not want to go back to the days of decisions of a leader and a few handpicked councillors making decisions on behalf of the city behind closed doors.”

“Since being voted out of power in 2024 Bristol Labour have refused to engage positively in Bristol’s governance. I can’t help but think that they support abolishing the committee system because it allows them to do what they have been trying to do from day one: shirk any responsibility for the running of the city or take part in positive, cross-party collaborative work.

“Bristol Labour say they want more transparency and accountability, but under a leader & cabinet system key decisions will be taken by just one cabinet member, instead of a politically representative committee of elected councillors debating in a public forum.”

“I continue to be disappointed by their attitude and approach and will continue to support a committee system which allows for more democracy, not only between elected councillors but more opportunity for public engagement.”