Bristol City Council has suddenly launched a hefty new annual tax on individuals & groups providing activities to the Bristol people in public spaces, from dog walkers to fitness, art classes, photography workshops, nature courses, baby classes, meditation and more.

Any individual or small group making ends meet will have little choice but to pass this new tax along to the public or end altogether. To levy a new tax on Bristol people who are looking to get active outside, connect & make use of these public spaces for their own health, wellbeing & enjoyment is a sad day.

The fee is also prohibitively high at £500-£950 each, every year. It’s difficult to think of why & what this new tax is for, other than spending it on enforcement or simply finding new ways to tax people. It is extremely disappointing, especially when people already pay an ever-increasing council tax.

Bristol City Council’s stated reasonings seem entirely vague, such as “protecting spaces” & “improving activity organisation”.

Public spaces are meant for public use, and this feels counterproductive to Bristol’s community goals. There is little to no effect on public land from these people or groups & we don’t see anyone requesting any new provision from the council either.

Additionally, with the NHS already under major strain from issues like diabetes, obesity and mental health, we should be lowering barriers to outdoor activities, not penalising those who encourage it & particpate. These activities are part of the solution & Bristol City Council should be rallying behind this.

As the cherry on a very undesirable cake, they have given just 26 days notice, in order to force it through quickly.

We are urging Bristol City Council to reconsider. Abolish this sudden new tax on Bristol people using public spaces &, instead, rally behind outdoor initiatives that could benefit everyone in Bristol, young & old.

Please kindly sign & share this petition far & wide, before it’s too late.