The Green Party amendment highlighted that efficiencies won’t be enough to bridge the deep budget cuts being proposed, and that to avoid deep cuts to services that will harm Birmingham residents, that the city needs more investment, and all councils need fairer funding.

The Green Party amendment called on the Council’s Labour Administration to write to the new Labour Government requesting:

• Immediate further funding for Birmingham City Council, sufficient to stop the large cuts to services and asset sales over the next 3 years.
• A financial settlement that reverses real terms cuts to local authority funding over the last 14 years and increases funding for all Councils according to their need.

And to work with other Local Authorities and the LGA to secure the much-needed increased funding for local councils.

Unfortunately Birmingham Labour Councillors voted down the Green Party amendment, refusing to endorse the call to write to Labour Government and fund Birmingham City Council and all councils adequately.

Green Party Group Leader Councillor Julien Pritchard said during his speech: 

“There are limits with what can be done through efficiencies. Let us be clear, to carry through the proposed budget cuts this year, next year and the year after, means also deep cuts to services, not just a few more efficiencies.”

“This will keep doing more and more harm to our residents. Means residents lose libraries, get dirtier streets, young people use youth centres, families lose support, vulnerable people are not helped.”

“This Labour Administration has made a real mess, with not resolving equal pay, whatever the true scale of the liability, oracle, and managing previous budgets, leading to the extreme situation we’re in, and now having to put up with commissioners. But even well-run councils are struggling. Local authority budgets have been cut in real terms.”

“This Labour government, could choose if it wanted to, fund councils properly according to what they need, instead of continuing the Tories policy of austerity for councils, raising money through a wealth tax. The Labour Administration, to help fix the mess it has partly created,can ask their colleagues in Westminster to help this city out, and fund all councils fairly.”

“If Labour nationally chooses not do that, and particularly if this Labour Administration chooses, not to ask them to do that, then this is now on Labour, there is no one else to blame.”

Click here to view the full Green amendment

The post Birmingham Greens Call on Labour Government to Fund Birmingham Fairly and Save its Services appeared first on Birmingham Green Party.

Birmingham Green Party has ensured that everyone in the city has the opportunity to vote Green in the general election on July 4th. Candidates representing Birmingham’s diverse communities will be on the ballot paper offering real hope and real change to voters in all ten constituencies.

The party believes that the opportunity to vote Green is more important than ever this year. The Conservative government has been breaking Britain by destroying our public services, ruining our precious natural spaces and wrecking the climate. Sadly for voters, Labour have none of the ambition or commitment necessary to make a difference. Only Green MPs can be trusted to fight for people and the planet.

The Green Party will prioritise funding for Birmingham’s local services.

Green Party Selly Oak candidate Jane Baston says:

“I’m standing because I want to fight for better funded youth services, safer streets, and to fix the housing crisis.”

Imran Khan, Green candidate in Hodge Hill and North Solihull says he’s standing because:

“The ongoing crisis in the Middle East has highlighted the failings of our government to uphold international law and human rights.”

The Green Party strongly backs the International Criminal Court in seeking arrest warrants for war criminals on both sides, as well as calling for an immediate ceasefire, an end to providing weapons to Israel, releasing hostages and urgently starting peace negotiations.

Councillor Rob Grant, who’s standing in Northfield wants to use his experience representing the people of Kings Norton South to push for decentralisation and a move towards more local decision-making.

Zain Ahmed, the candidate for Hall Green and Moseley says:

“I believe in accountability and community involvement, making sure that every voice is heard and respected.” 

The Green Party’s belief in communities is echoed by Zoe Challenor, who grew up in the area she is seeking to represent.

She says:

“I will be an advocate who will celebrate all Ladywood has to offer, while fighting for much better provision for residents.”

The Green Party candidates are all standing to offer voters hope and practical solutions. The Green Party would raise £50 billion by reforming our tax system to make it fairer, including a tax on the super-rich billionaires and multi-millionaires, and use the money to invest in our NHS, warmer homes and improved local services.

Green Party Co-leader Adrian Ramsay concluded:

“We are offering the common sense, affordable policies that will dramatically improve our quality of life. More Green MPs in Parliament will hold whoever forms the next government to account, and make the other parties confront the challenges our country faces. Together, we can make the change.” 

Find out more about all ten candidates here:

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This week is the first time the community have seen plans.

Julien Pritchard Green Party Councillor for Druids Heath & Monyhull said:

“The Druids Heath community should be at the heart of developing plans to regenerate Druids Heath. But so far, the commissioners, Labour Council Leader, Labour Cabinet member for housing, and Council officers have all had their say, before the community have even seen the plans!”

“When I saw the plans I was taken aback by the extent of the demolition being proposed, and so are many residents.”

“Druids Heath absolutely needs investment, having been forgotten for decades. But the Council has to do this regeneration with residents not to them. This means listening to the community, and being willing to change plans if there are things residents don’t like. This can’t be another Ladywood.”

“Knowing that their homes are going to be demolished is going to cause real anxiety to residents, especially those residents whose homes might be demolished in the early phases in 5 years.”

“Residents need more answers to questions and re-assurance about how this is going to be done. Making sure any changes are as easy as possible for the community.”

“I’ll be doing my best to stand up for residents and make sure their voices are heard.”

The post Council Needs to Listen to Druids Heath Residents on Regeneration Plans appeared first on Birmingham Green Party.

Green Party Group Leader Councillor Julien Pritchard said:

“The pain that Birmingham and its residents will have to endure is now finally laid bare and the complete lack of transparency for Birmingham residents makes it all the worse. The “consultation” was insulting, and the Labour administration waited until the last possible moment to publish this horrific budget.”

“This budget leaves residents of this city unsafe. It abandons young people and their families, hollows out our communities, and will cause our most forgotten communities to be left even further behind.”

“Not only will this scorched-earth budget cause pain now, but it will harm this city for years to come. Repairing the damage done and reinstating these vital services will cost even more in future, so it’s a completely false economy.”

“And for all of this Birmingham residents will be asked to pay more, for a whole lot less.”

“The Labour-run council has been dealt an awful hand by Tory government cuts, but they have kept on playing it terribly, with horrendous consequences for our city and its residents.”

“Green Party councillors and campaigners will keep on fighting for the vital service our residents and deserve, and work to tackle the consequences of these decisions.”

The post Birmingham Green Party councillors challenge scorched-earth budget appeared first on Birmingham Green Party.

They have submitted a request for the decision to be called in. The request will be heard by the Homes Scrutiny Committee tomorrow (Thursday 25th January 2024). 

The Councillors are requesting the call in because of concerns about the current performance of the housing contractors and the council’s management of the contract.

The Council’s appalling record on housing repairs are well documented. Green Party Councillors have serious concerns that re-appointing existing contractors in this way will make matters worse.

Councillor Rob Grant said:

“I’ve had countless cases of poor housing conditions, poor housing repairs and poor contractor performance for council tenants.”

“The poor condition of the council’s housing stock, and lack of investment by the council over the years, is obviously a big part of the problem. But there are also big issues with how repairs are done and managed and the quality of the repairs.”

“Residents in my ward will not understand why a contractor that’s not been doing the job, is simply given another contract for two years. It’ll be seen by residents as a reward for failure.”

The post Green Party councillors challenge council housing repairs contract award appeared first on Birmingham Green Party.

Green Group Leader Councillor Julien Pritchard said:

“It’s a real kick in the teeth for Brummies that on the day Idris Elba launches his campaign for more investment in youth services, we are hearing rumours that there could be virtually nothing left of ours.”

“I know from the excellent Maypole Youth Centre work does in my ward how vital youth clubs and youth services are. Birmingham’s Youth Services took the brunt of the cuts to council services 10 years ago, the fact that the Labour Administration is even considering another round of cuts to the Youth Service is simply outrageous. Are young people going to be cynically targeted again because they don’t vote?”

“Likewise cuts to Library Services will impact on some of our most vulnerable people and left behind communities in the city.  Libraries provide vital access to learning, advice, and online support.”

“Areas like Druids Heath are already forgotten, without losing what’s left like our Library and Youth Centre.”

“We were promised a values based framework when it came to making decisions to tackle Birmingham’s financial crisis. But what values is the Labour Administration following if it is slashing these services.”

Julien also challenged Birmingham City Council Leader John Cotton on the proposed cuts at the full council meeting this week. See their exchange here: https://birmingham.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/837436/start_time/4080000?force_language_code=en_GB

The post Greens call out cuts to libraries and youth centres appeared first on Birmingham Green Party.

The Green Party amendment condemned both the horrific Hamas attacks and taking of hostages and the disproportionate and indiscriminate Israeli response. 

Our amendment called for a ceasefire and return of hostages and asked Birmingham City Council to join calls for a ceasefire, and write to government to urge it to join international calls for a ceasefire.

Councillor Julien Pritchard said in his speech:

“We agree Birmingham should provide sanctuary for those fleeing conflict in our city, and are proud that ours is a city of sanctuary. 

However, ending the violence, through a ceasefire, and a long-term political settlement, is ultimately the only way to ensure the long-term safety and security of civilians on all sides of this conflict. The best way to make sure people have a home is to make sure those homes aren’t being destroyed. The best way to protect would be refugees is to end the violence that makes them refugees.”

“I shudder at the idea that the only way to stop violence for one side is to inflict yet more and more violence on the other side.”

“The aid that is currently being sent to Gaza is woefully insufficient. The only way to get in sufficient aid is for there to be a full ceasefire rather than short term pauses, which are being talked about as hours not even days, that’s not enough time to get in sufficient aid, and alleviate a humanitarian catastrophe.”

“We need a ceasefire to stop the violence and alleviate the suffering in the short term. And ultimately, Lord Mayor, there needs be a once and for all political settlement so all sides in Israel and Palestine can live in safety and security.”

Councillor Rob Grant said:

“As well as providing refuge, being a city of sanctuary also means supporting international efforts to promote peace and an end to violence in this conflict.”

The Green Party amendment was voted down by Labour councillors, but a weaker Labour amendment stating the need for a ceasefire, was passed with support from our Green Party councillors.

Councillor Julien Pritchard said after the meeting: 

“We’re pleased the Council voted to agree with the need for a ceasefire. However we’re disappointed Labour councillors voted down our stronger call for a ceasefire and release of hostages.”

You can see the original motion here under item 10B.

You can see the Green Party amendment here under 4 to 10B

The post Birmingham Green Party Councillors make strong call for Gaza ceasefire appeared first on Birmingham Green Party.

Green Party Group Leader Councillor Julien Pritchard said:

“What a shambles. This Labour Administration is collecting statutory notices like football stickers. A well-run council would not be hitting the headlines on a daily basis, but each new bombshell reveals just how badly the Labour Administration is still mis-managing the equal pay crisis.

It’s hard to imagine a worse situation than the one we currently have. Labour’s mis-management has opened the door to Tory appointed commissioners running our city, endangered vital public assets and public services, and affected the lives of residents in this city. 

The Labour Administration needs to get a grip and provide re-assurance to residents and staff that this will be resolved. Delivering a job evaluation programme, and actually implementing fair and equal pay across the Council, is crucial, not just to stop this crisis from getting any worse, but also as a matter of basic fairness and justice for Council staff.

We need a resolution on the equal pay issue so the liability doesn’t get any worse. We also need solutions to the existing liability and financial crisis that protects our vital services and public assets.”

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