What's this all about?

Did you know communities can set up their own local council?

It's called a People's Council. It's a way to bring decision-making closer to the community, giving local people more control over the issues that affect our daily lives.

A People's Council can help deal with practical day-to-day issues like caring for our streets, protecting community spaces, and supporting local projects. It can also be a place where residents come together to collectively imagine bigger and bolder ways to make Easton healthier, safer and more democratic in the long term.

In short, it's a council built from the ground up, focused on improving daily life now, while helping shape the future of our area.

A few moments from last weekend's Parking Assembly ✊ A huge thank you to everyone who came along, shared their experiences, and got stuck into the conversation. It was a thoughtful, honest discussion with plenty of ideas for what we can do together. This is exactly what the Easton People's Council is about: turning local conversations into collective action. More to come.A few moments from our Renters' Assembly ✊ Thank you to everyone who came along and made it such a thoughtful and energising afternoon. We heard from organisations working to build renter power across Bristol, including @acorn_bristol , @bristolfairrentingcampaign and @bristol_housing_action_mov , we had some brilliant conversations about what a different future could look like. Together we explored ideas for community-owned housing, putting local assets to work for the public good, and how we can organise collectively to tackle the housing crisis in Easton. There was a real appetite to keep working together, and this feels like the beginning of something bigger. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, ideas, and time. Onwards. ✊What an inspiring afternoon. Thank you to everyone who joined us. There was so much energy, hope, and love for Easton in the room. Together, we agreed on a campaign that tackles a root cause of fly-tipping, doesn't exclude those who are too often left out of decision-making, and is something we believe we can win. Most importantly, our takeaway was clear: Easton deserves better. We've now formed working groups, everyone left with a clear action, and we're excited about what comes next. More information soon. If you care about Easton and want to be part of the campaign, get in touch—we'd love to have you involved. 💚
A few moments from last weekend's Parking Assembly ✊ A huge thank you to everyone who came along, shared their experiences, and got stuck into the conversation. It was a thoughtful, honest discussion with plenty of ideas for what we can do together. This is exactly what the Easton People's Council is about: turning local conversations into collective action. More to come.A few moments from our Renters' Assembly ✊ Thank you to everyone who came along and made it such a thoughtful and energising afternoon. We heard from organisations working to build renter power across Bristol, including @acorn_bristol , @bristolfairrentingcampaign and @bristol_housing_action_mov , we had some brilliant conversations about what a different future could look like. Together we explored ideas for community-owned housing, putting local assets to work for the public good, and how we can organise collectively to tackle the housing crisis in Easton. There was a real appetite to keep working together, and this feels like the beginning of something bigger. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, ideas, and time. Onwards. ✊

Why now?

Many people feel that the current system isn't working as well as it should.

Local councillors often want to help, but they are working within a system shaped by years of austerity, tight budgets and slow bureaucracy. This can mean everyday issues fall through the cracks or take a long time to resolve.

When most decisions and resources sit at a higher level, there's also less space to proactively identify local solutions or try new ways of doing things that come directly from the community.

A People's Council is one way to bring some of that power closer to home. It gives residents a way to work together on practical problems while also thinking about new ideas for the future of Easton.

398 people have already signed up!

Get in touch
What an inspiring afternoon. Thank you to everyone who joined us. There was so much energy, hope, and love for Easton in the room. Together, we agreed on a campaign that tackles a root cause of fly-tipping, doesn't exclude those who are too often left out of decision-making, and is something we believe we can win. Most importantly, our takeaway was clear: Easton deserves better. We've now formed working groups, everyone left with a clear action, and we're excited about what comes next. More information soon. If you care about Easton and want to be part of the campaign, get in touch—we'd love to have you involved. 💚🚮 Fly-tipping affects communities across Bristol, and it's a problem that's particularly felt in Easton. It won't be solved without local action. Swipe through to learn more about what our research team has uncovered about fly-tipping in the city. Interested in discussing solutions and hearing from others who care about cleaner, healthier neighbourhoods? Join us this Saturday at The Jam Jar, Bristol. 📅 Saturday 🕚 11:00am–1:30pm 📍 The Jam Jar, Bristol Everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there.

Tell me more...

A People's Council is an official tier of local government, with the same legal powers as Parish, Town, or Village Councils across the UK. In areas without one, residents often have less direct influence over local decisions.

People's Councils can:

City councils also have a legal duty to consult parish councils, meaning local communities have a recognised voice in decisions affecting the whole city.

🚮 Fly-tipping affects communities across Bristol, and it's a problem that's particularly felt in Easton. It won't be solved without local action. Swipe through to learn more about what our research team has uncovered about fly-tipping in the city. Interested in discussing solutions and hearing from others who care about cleaner, healthier neighbourhoods? Join us this Saturday at The Jam Jar, Bristol. 📅 Saturday 🕚 11:00am–1:30pm 📍 The Jam Jar, Bristol Everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there.A few snaps from our recent Community Organising Training ✊ We had a great turnout and spent the day digging into how change happens — exploring power, different ways of engaging people, practicing listening skills, and planning campaigns using the Community Organisers Framework. A big thank you to everyone who came along, shared their experiences, and got stuck in. There's a lot of energy and talent in this community, and we're excited to keep building together. Onwards.Hi everyone we're offering a free Introduction to Community Organising Training on Saturday 30th May 10am - 4pm at @document.bristol delivered by a qualified trainer from the National Academy of Community Organising. Let's get organised ✊🏽 Sign up using the link in our bio.
A few snaps from our recent Community Organising Training ✊ We had a great turnout and spent the day digging into how change happens — exploring power, different ways of engaging people, practicing listening skills, and planning campaigns using the Community Organisers Framework. A big thank you to everyone who came along, shared their experiences, and got stuck in. There's a lot of energy and talent in this community, and we're excited to keep building together. Onwards.Hi everyone we're offering a free Introduction to Community Organising Training on Saturday 30th May 10am - 4pm at @document.bristol delivered by a qualified trainer from the National Academy of Community Organising. Let's get organised ✊🏽 Sign up using the link in our bio.

Are decisions implemented quickly?

If you've ever waited 6 months for the council to fix a pothole, you already know the old system is broken. A People's Council cuts through bureaucracy by putting decisions in the hands of locals. We keep it simple: meet, decide, act. No endless meetings, just real power for real people.

Has this worked in other places?

There are thousands of parish (local) councils all around the country but they are all in rural areas.

Ten years ago in Queens Park in London, a group of residents set up a Community Council (also known as 'The People's Republic of Queen Park') when the Government announced lots of cuts. 70% of residents voted in favour of setting one up.