ACORN Urges Bristol Council Not to Cut Cost of Living Support for the Poor

Bristol: ACORN is really worried about the council’s plans to cut support for those struggling with the cost of living. They’re saying that if the council goes ahead with these cuts, it could hit the poorest families hard.

This isn’t the first time the council has tried to cut the council tax reduction scheme, which helps many households. The scheme costs a whopping £44.5 million, and they’re looking to trim it by £3.4 million starting in April 2026.

Wesley Bear from ACORN spoke out, saying these cuts would unfairly burden the most vulnerable residents. He reminded the council that they’ve promised to protect this support, which is a lifeline for many.

He pointed out that if they cut this support, it would feel like they’re taking food off the tables of families who are already struggling. It’s a tough message, but he’s calling for real leadership during these challenging times.

The Labour government is also slashing funds for the Household Support Fund, which started during the pandemic. This fund is expected to continue but at a much lower amount.

If the council tax reduction scheme is cut, some low-income households might have to start paying council tax, even if it’s at a discounted rate. Bristol stands out among major UK cities for the size of its support scheme.

Graham Clapp, who heads revenue and benefits, mentioned that Bristol is the only core city that has kept the same scheme since 2013. He’s questioning whether this approach is still the right one.

The council has faced pressure before but has backed down from cutting the scheme in the past. However, the issue has come up again this year.

Councillor Tim Rippington expressed his frustration, saying he’s been part of discussions for two years and fears they’ll just go in circles again.

This time, the council plans to consult with ACORN and other organizations before making any final decisions. They’re also waiting for the government’s spending review to see what funding will be available.

Green Councillor Heather Mack emphasized the importance of working with external groups to gather better information on what support really helps people. She wants to delay any decisions until they know more about future funding.