Bristol City Council’s new leader warns of bankruptcy threat

In May’s local elections the Greens won the most seats, though without an overall majority.

They were delighted, but three months later the mood is very different.

Money was already tight, but extra costs have come to light, and planned savings have fallen short.

“The financial situation is very challenging,” said Mr Dyer.

That has led to a warning that Bristol could end up issuing a Section 114 notice – effectively going bankrupt.

“I think without government intervention I can’t guarantee that won’t happen, but having said that, I think we are now taking the measures and putting into place the processes that we need to do,” said Mr Dyer.