Renters and landlords will be allowed to speak in future Bristol City Council debates on rent controls and housing. The U-turn comes after several councillors were controversially barred from taking part in a debate and vote earlier this month on introducing rent controls to Bristol.
Around 16 councillors did not take part in a debate on rent controls during a council meeting on January 10, as they were either landlords or renters. The move was criticised as “concerning and bizarre”, and council lawyers have now decided to lift the ban in future.
Councillors can’t legally get involved in certain decisions where they could financially benefit, known as a “pecuniary interest”. But councils can make exceptions, with a dispensation. The values and ethics sub-committee on January 30 will likely grant a four-year dispensation.
