How you can get involved in local democracy and have your voice heard.
Join our Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP)
The IRP plays an important role in making recommendations about councillors' allowances, helping make sure decisions are fair, and giving confidence to residents about how decisions on allowances are made.
We're looking for 3 to 5 independent voluntary members to join the panel. If you can think objectively, assess evidence, and provide clear and independent advice, we'd like to hear from you.
You don't need to have worked in local government, but you should understand the importance of fairness, accountability and public governance.
pdf Download the information applicant pack to find out more and apply(211 KB) .
Closing date: midnight Sunday 7 June.
Register to vote
You can vote in all elections if your name's on the Register of Electors.
It takes about 5 minutes to register to vote online.
Ask a question or make a statement at a council meeting
You can send questions or a statement for Full Council, policy committees, and other meetings using our online form.
Information on all council meetings and agendas
You can attend committee meetings, such as:
- Full Council
- Policy Committees
- Development Control (planning meetings)
Or watch the meetings on YouTube.
For inquiries about the policy committees, email policycommittees@bristol.gov.uk
For general inquiries about council meetings and submitting petitions, email democratic.services@bristol.gov.uk
Consultations and petitions
Find out how to have your say through consultations and petitions.
You can use Ask Bristol to:
- share ideas
- discuss important topics
- provide feedback on policy and planning
- contribute to the future of the city
Start or sign an online petition and read our petition scheme guide which describes the arrangements for submitting petitions to the council.
Bristol City Youth Council
Find out who the Bristol City Youth Council are, and what they do.
Raise an issue with a councillor
All Elected Members can be contacted directly about local issues in your ward.
Find out who your local councillor is.
Be a councillor
Find more information on standing to be a councillor:
- become a councillor
- becoming a councillor on GOV.UK
- becoming a councillor on the Local Government Association website
Get involved in your community
You can:
- find out what's happening in your community and how you can get involved
- meet others in your community and get involved with decision making in your area
- find out how funding is given to local projects from the Community Infrastructure Levy and Section 106 agreements
- find out about volunteering opportunities in Bristol
School Admission Appeals Panel
We're looking for panel members to support the Bristol City Council's School Admission Appeals Panel.
The role provides parents, guardians and carers of school-age children with an opportunity to appeal against a decision to refuse admission to their preferred school.
For more information, email school.appeals@bristol.gov.uk