"Alright Brum, what's next?" Council asks residents to shape its priorities

Birmingham City Council is asking residents what it should focus on in the years ahead, through a new campaign called "Alright Brum, what's next?".

The campaign will ask people what matters most to them and explain how the council's budget is spent. Residents can take part through online surveys and in-person events, and the council says it will run for at least three years, with several chances to have a say on council planning and budget setting.

The first survey

The first survey, open now on the council's Be Heard website, asks residents about the six priorities approved by the cabinet and set out in the Fairer Birmingham Partnership Agreement. A minority coalition of Liberal Democrats, Greens and independent councillors has run the council since June.

The responses will help shape the council's Corporate Plan, which sets out what it wants to achieve over the next four years.

"This is your city"

Councillor Roger Harmer, leader of the council, said: "This campaign is about working with Brummies to make things better in our city. We are fully committed to passing what will be the council's second balanced budget since declaring itself effectively bankrupt in 2023."

"With the council's finances beginning to improve, now is the time to ask: what's next? Birmingham is a city with enormous strengths, opportunities, and challenges, and we want to have a conversation with people about their priorities for the future. This is your city, and we are keen to hear what you have to say about what this council should be focusing on."

Difficult decisions

Cllr Harmer acknowledged that hard choices lie ahead. "Inflationary pressures and the increased use of statutory council services mean that there are several difficult decisions that will need to be made to ensure this council remains financially responsible over the next few years," he said.

"In the face of those difficult decisions, it is only right that residents get a chance to have their say on what matters to them and where the money goes. We also need to have those honest conversations with residents about what the council spends its money on and why."

Where the money goes

Most of a council's spending goes on services it is legally required to provide, such as adult social care, children's services, support for children with special educational needs and disabilities, and housing for homeless families. Demand for all of these has grown, leaving less money for services such as libraries, parks and leisure centres, which residents often value most.

Why it matters

Birmingham issued a section 114 notice in 2023, effectively declaring that it could not balance its books, after equal pay claims and problems with a new IT system. Since then it has cut spending, raised council tax by more than the usual limit with Government permission, and sold buildings and land. Residents who want a say on what comes next can take part online, or look out for events in their area.

How to take part

The survey is on the council's Be Heard consultation website. Anyone who needs help completing it, or would like it in another format, can contact the council.