Horfield Branch Labour Party

27/08/2026

New Appointment!

🌟 Delighted and Honoured to be Appointed Vice Chair of the Avon Fire Authority Policy and Resources Committee 🌟

I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed Vice Chair of the Avon Fire Authority Policy and Resources Committee. This appointment provides a wonderful opportunity to continue my service with and to Avon Fire & Rescue Service, an organisation that plays such a vital role in keeping our communities safe.

I am genuinely looking forward to working closely with colleagues, officers and stakeholders to help provide robust scrutiny, support good governance and ensure the Service is well-positioned to meet both current and future challenges.

The Policy and Resources Committee oversees a wide range of important areas, including:

✅ Financial planning, budgets and resources
✅ Capital investment and major projects
✅ Treasury management and borrowing strategy
✅ Fire stations, estates and asset management
✅ Fleet and operational equipment procurement
✅ ICT, digital transformation and control systems
✅ Organisational resilience and business continuity
✅ Risk management and corporate governance
✅ Workforce culture, organisational change and continuous improvement

I am particularly passionate about the role that culture and change play in creating an inclusive, high-performing organisation where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to contribute. Strong governance, sound finances and positive workplace culture are all essential to delivering the very best service to our communities.

Thank you to colleagues for their confidence in me. I look forward to supporting the Chair and fellow committee members as we work together to ensure Avon Fire & Rescue Service continues to deliver excellent services across Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

🚒 Proud to serve. Proud to support our firefighters, control staff, support teams and volunteers. Proud to continue giving back to the communities we serve.

🚒🔥





Cllr C.Johnson

09/07/2026

Protecting Our Parks Through Transparency, Consistency and Fairness

At the recent Public Health and Communities Committee (26.06.26), I spoke on the Parks Licensing Scheme and why it is so important that we take a transparent, consistent and evidence-based approach to decision-making.

I fully recognise the value that many small businesses, community groups and wellbeing initiatives bring to our parks. From fitness sessions to community activities, these opportunities can make a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of Bristol residents.

One example that was highlighted was a women-led post-natal depression choir, which provides vital support, connection and wellbeing benefits for new mothers. Initiatives like these demonstrate the positive role that our parks can play in improving mental health and reducing isolation.

During committee, my concern was that we should first address the fundamental questions before us: namely, should the Parks Licensing Scheme continue at all, should it be paused for review, or should it be changed?

Labour's position was that it should be scrapped, however if it were to continue, then we needed to be considering all options properly before making piecemeal changes to fees, thresholds or discounts.

Any park licensing scheme must be:
✅ Transparent
✅ Consistent
✅ Standardised
✅ Fair to all applicants
✅ Financially sustainable
✅ Accessible to community organisations and small operators
I was disappointed that colleagues did not support Labour's proposal to scrap the scheme.

However, as the committee decided to continue with it, I proposed that it should return to committee on in October 2025 for further review and update so that we can at the very least, properly assess how it is working and whether further amendments (and consideration to scrap) is required.

Our parks belong to everyone. Decisions about how they are used must balance supporting local businesses and community activities with protecting public spaces, ensuring fairness, and maintaining public confidence in the process.

As always, I will continue to champion an approach that puts residents first and ensures our parks remain accessible, inclusive and welcoming for all.

Read the Bristol Post article here: Bristol Post article on the post-natal choir and parks licensing

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/baby-choir-boss-blasts-parks-11049890

Councillor Carole Johnson

'The reduction is irrelevant and missing the point. This whole thing is wrong.'

25/06/2026

New Appointment!
I’m absolutely delighted to have been appointed once again onto the Avon Fire Authority.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service does incredible work every day to keep our communities safe — from responding to emergencies and saving lives, to leading vital prevention work in our neighbourhoods. Their commitment to education, community engagement, and protecting the most vulnerable truly makes a difference.

This is a service built on dedication, professionalism, and public service — and I’m proud to play a small part in supporting them as they continue to serve our city and wider region with such care and integrity.

Thank you to all our firefighters and staff for everything you do.

Councillor Carole Johnson - Horfield Ward

25/06/2026

Horfield Councillor Surgery - Cancelled

Due to the current heat warnings, today’s Horfield Councillor Surgery (Thursday 25th June 2026) has been cancelled.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

If you have any urgent concerns, please feel free to contact us directly via email.

As temperatures rise, please remember to take care and follow advice to stay safe:

• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water

• Keep out of direct sun during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm)

• Wear light clothing and use sunscreen

• Check in on elderly neighbours, children, and those more vulnerable to heat

We’ve also launched a new “Cool Places” webpage to support residents during periods of extreme heat: Heatwaves and cool spaces
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/crime-and-emergencies/emergencies/severe-weather/heatwaves-and-cool-spaces

Councillor Carole Johnson & Councillor Tom Renhard

17/06/2026

Good News

I have been contacted by a local resident who recently moved into Horfield Ward.

As a single father of two young boys he was particularly keen to have usable safe places for his sons to play on outdoors that is also cost affective.

He raised the quality of the play equipment in Horfield Common. In response I have since popped along to look at the equipment, which is as highlighted slightly outdated. So I contacted BCC officers to see what exactly could be implemented.

They have let me know today that some of the equipment will be updated shortly and is now just awaiting final approval and thereal after installation.

Big thank you to the local residennt for raising this wirh me and also to BCC officers for following through on this.

Councillor Carole Johnson Horfield Ward

28/05/2026

Horfield Councillor Surgery!



📢It's our councillor surgery on Thursday 28th May from

6pm - 7pm at St Peters Community Centre Horfield!

You can come and talk to us in person, about any council-related issues you might have, or share your ideas for our community.



**PLEASE NOTE Councillor Surgeries are held on the last Thursday of every month **



You can also contact us by email or phone:

[email protected] 📞 07557 076244
Labour Deputy Group Leader

[email protected] 📞 07341 804960
Labour Group Leader



Councillor Carole Johnson Horfield Ward
Councillor Tom Renhard - Horfield Ward

25/05/2026

We were deeply honoured and truly humbled to be invited to attend Rush Sunday at St Mary Redcliffe Church this weekend, standing alongside fellow dignitaries including the Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Yassin Mohamud, and Baroness Peaches Golding, together with many other respected guests.

It was a powerful and uplifting occasion—rich in faith, history, and a profound sense of unity. The service stirred something deep, reminding us not only of our shared heritage, but of the hope, strength and compassion that continue to shape our city.

I felt an immense sense of pride to be part of such a meaningful moment, recognising the enduring role that St Mary Redcliffe plays in bringing people together across Bristol. In a world that can often feel divided, moments like this show the true power of coming together in faith, reflection and purpose.

For me, it was more than a ceremony—it was a reminder of why community, service and connection matter so deeply. When we stand together, we build a stronger, kinder, more united Bristol.

Our sincere thanks to everyone who made the day so special.

Councillor Carole Johnson Horfield ward
Councillor Tom Renhard - Horfield Ward

18/05/2026

Labour claim that the correct constitutional process was not followed ahead of the introduction of the controversial parks business licenses

15/05/2026

Bristol Labour Councillors have called an Extraordinary Meeting to consider the future of controversial ‘Parks Business Licences’. The recently introduced scheme has seen dog-walkers, walking groups, and even choirs for parents of newborn babies charged to use Bristol’s parks and green spaces.

Despite the controversial nature of the new licences, they have not been endorsed nor signed-off by a Policy Committee – a constitutional requirement for decisions affecting two or more wards.

Since the implementation of the new licensing scheme was announced, Labour Councillors have been contacted by many businesses, residents, and community groups raising issues over the policy and its implementation.

Given the significant concerns expressed by the public both prior to the roll out and since it came into force earlier this month, Labour has concluded that this must now be considered in public at a meeting of the Public Health and Communities Policy Committee.

For more information click here:

https://www.labourbristol.co.uk/2026/05/14/controversial-parks-business-licences-roll-out-called-in-by-bristol-labour/

Councillor Carole Johnson Horfield Ward

12/05/2026

Labour secure Green-led Council u-turn on scrapping Bristol Nights

During an Extraordinary Meeting of the Economy and Skills Committee on Friday 8 May, the Green-led Council performed a screeching u-turn on its decision to scrap the landmark Bristol Nights partnership.

Following the Council’s decision to end the partnership and abolish the position of Nighttime Economy Advisor, Labour Councillors called an Extraordinary Meeting to hear their justification for the poorly-thought-out decision and attempt to force a u-turn. Labour’s efforts were successful; the Committee unanimously endorsed their amendment to the paper to authorise the Chief Executive to find funding to reinstate the post.

During the meeting, It transpired that the Green Party Leader of the Council was consulted on the decision to scrap Bristol Nights and abolish the position of Night Time Economy Advisor, alongside their Liberal Democrat coalition partners. Despite the Greens’ most senior politician endorsing the decision to scrap Bristol Nights and abolish the position of Night Time Economy Advisor, Green Party Councillors attempted to throw the Liberal Democrats under the bus regardless.

Councillor Tom Renhard, Leader of Bristol Labour, said:

“This whole saga has been a shambles, totally emblematic of the way the Greens are running the Council. They tried to throw their coalition partners under the bus by blaming Lib Dem Policy Chairs for this decision, but it won’t wash. The Green Party Leader of the Council was consulted and is complicit in this decision too.

“The Greens repeatedly expressed frustration that this decision came to pass. They are leading the council – they need to act like it. Step up and show some leadership. It is fully within their power to stop decisions they don’t like from proceeding.

“In the Greens’ absence of leadership, the council is totally rudderless. Nobody is captaining the ship. Something needs to change.”

Fabian Breckels, Labour Councillor for St George Troopers Hill, said:

“We are delighted to force this u-turn. Labour councillors are immensely proud of Bristol Nights and the work of the city’s first Nighttime Economy Advisor. The Bristol Nights Programme has been exemplary. It has been cited as a case study of good practice in how a council can go promote the night time economy and introduce safety at night initiatives.

“We were unconvinced that Bristol Nights vital public health work was set to continue in any meaningful sense. This u-turn is welcome news for the 116,000 people who work in Bristol’s nighttime economy, alongside anyone who enjoys a night out.

“Cities around the world are establishing Nighttime Economy Advisors – sometimes called Night Czars – the Green-led Council abolishing Bristol’s would have been a regressive, harmful move. I still don’t fully understand why the chose to go down this route, but nevertheless, this u-turn is still welcome.”

Kye Dudd, Labour Councillor for Southmead, said:

“I’m pleased all parties supported our amendment to re-establish the position of Nighttime Economy Advisor. We also secured a commitment to set up a board comprised with sector representatives and cross-party councillors, chaired by someone independent of the Council.

“We said that a talking shop wouldn’t be good enough. I’m glad that we’ve forced the Council to take action.”