Bristol Lib Dems suggest a visitor tax to fund cultural heritage and sustain tourism, mirroring Manchester’s initiative.
The cuts could halve library budgets and might end school lollipop patrols. Three museums could temporarily close down, and cultural group funding could also end. Poor households may lose council tax benefits. Other parties propose alternative budget ideas and will present amendments at a meeting next Tuesday.
The Green Party wants a 4.99% council tax increase, with two percent going to social care. A previous plan cut the library budget by £2.4 million, and many branches might have closed with this cut. They now plan to use reserves to cover costs, and a group will review the library’s future.
Museum closures are now postponed for a year, affecting Blaise Museum, Georgian House, and Red Lodge. Cultural grants will not end immediately, as a group will seek alternative funding options. They will delay the £635,000 grant cut for one year.
A £3.4 million cut to council tax support is also gone. They planned to reduce support for low-income families, however, another group will discuss supporting these families. Charges for disabled parking are also cancelled, and these changes affect the 2025/26 budget.
Meal delivery fees might still increase by 15%. Reducing black bin collections may save £1 million, and they are considering collections every three or four weeks. Consultation is underway, also recycling options, as other groups plan to raise and save money.
The Liberal Democrats want a tourist tax in Bristol. They call it a visitor charge for hotel guests, and a study would cost £15,000 to see if it works. Manchester’s tourist tax raised £2.8 million, and guests might pay an extra two pounds per night.
The Lib Dems see the tax as a tourism investment, stating that funds will help the city’s cultural heritage. Bristol can create a sustainable tourist sector by doing so, because they think Bristol should not be left behind other cities. The money would come from the policy budget.
Visitors with lower incomes could face issues. Disabled and older people visiting may also feel this, and tourism-dependent sectors need attention too. Young people might be most affected by the changes, as reducing the salary budget is a risk and crucial policy work may get affected.
Another idea encourages residents to donate to groups. Bath has a similar system and raised money, because the community groups do deeply important work. They provide irreplaceable community resources, whilst these groups help residents in many ways.
Funds for groups face potential future cutbacks. The scheme reduces funding by 16% after two years, and this could affect the council. A new fund could help communities affected by the cuts, which may help fill the gap.
The council faces financial problems, so they must carefully review saving options. These cuts impact libraries and other city services. Lib Dems saved key local services, like libraries, however, finding so much in savings isn’t ideal for any party. They want investment in important city services.