A People's Council for Easton

What could a People's Council do for Easton?

Practical improvements

A locally-run council could:

Create a neighbourhood plan to protect community spaces and public buildings from big development
Tackle fly-tipping with initiatives such as community skips
Support existing organisations by helping them secure grants or funding
Represent residents in discussions with police, health services and the council

Thinking bigger and longer-term

With enough support and resources, a council could also:

Set up co-operative businesses (for example energy or housing co-ops)
Bring empty buildings into community use
Take on local services where it makes sense to run them closer to the community

Exactly what it does would be shaped by the people who live here.

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FAQs

How do we establish a People's Council?

Step 1

A petition is created and signed by at least 10% of local voters.

Step 2

The petition is submitted to Bristol City Council, which reviews the proposal.

Step 3

Depending on the outcome of the review, a local referendum may be held.

Step 4

If a referendum takes place and the majority vote in favour, the new council is created. A clerk is appointed and elections are held.

Do we have to pay for it?

Residents decide collectively how much funding the council raises each year. This is based on the projects and services people want it to run.

The cost could start from around £2 per month per household.

For example:

£1.50 per month -> about £50,000 per year
£2.50 per month -> about £120,000 per year
£4 per month -> about £190,000 per year

All the money would be spent locally on the things our community cares about most.

What area would it cover?

People say the boundaries of Easton ward drawn up by the government don't fully reflect the community. If a People's Council is created, residents would help define the area it represents.

Would the council hold elections?

Yes. By law, councillors must be elected every four years.

Residents could stand as candidates and represent the area as individuals rather than political parties if they choose.

Could we have a bigger say in decision-making?

In short, yes. Different councils experiment with different ways of making decisions, with some of them heavily participatory.

Some ideas include:

Neighbourhood assemblies where residents deliberate and decide on local issues
Participatory budgeting, where people vote on how community funds are spent
Open working groups focused on specific topics (for example youth wellbeing or housing)

Exactly how this would work in Easton would be shaped by residents.