Challenges

Climate change: climate change is the greatest challenge facing us today. Rising global temperatures will bring changes in weather patterns, rising sea levels and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather. For Bristol, this means hotter, drier summers (more heat waves), milder wetter winters, higher sea levels and an increased flood risk which could affect our economic development, particularly at Avonmouth. We have a key role to play in leading and enabling a rapid reduction in energy use and carbon emissions from the city’s transport, homes and economy - working with individuals, communities and businesses.   We will also lead the city’s adaptation to the impacts of climate change so that we are resilient to future weather conditions.

Regeneration and Affordable Housing, especially around the edges: One of the reasons congestion is so bad is that a lot of people have to travel across the city, usually by car, to work. Those who can’t travel find it very hard to get a job near where they live. We need to ensure we support smaller, more local businesses with a continued focus on the availability of affordable small business space, digital infrastructure and small retail areas outside of the city centre. Bristol is also one of the most difficult cities in Europe to afford to buy a house or flat. People are also finding it difficult to access finance to buy houses in the current financial situation.

Transport and Digital Connectivity: Overall, the volume of traffic on roads in the Bristol area grew by 21% between 1994 and 2004. However, public transport is expensive relative to other cities and a frequent source of complaints. Having become Britain’s first cycling city, we must ensure that we develop an integrated transport system that reduces congestion, increases the use of public transport and makes it easier and safer for cyclists and those who walk. We will also put in place digital connectivity that means people have to travel less, links everyone’s home into the web, and enables small as well as big business to flourish.