Saqib Bhatti MP, Member of Parliament for Meriden, spoke in the Chamber on the ongoing issues plaguing the Birmingham City Council. He noted his disappointment at the Council’s mishandling of settling a £760 million bill for equal pay claims amid their issuing a section 114 notice, declaring bankruptcy. He noted that the Council had over a decade to get to grips with this issue and they completely failed to do so. Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, agreed with Saqib and stated that this issue is a specific political failing of the Birmingham City Council.
Saqib went on to highlight the strengths of Birmingham as the youngest city in Europe, with the most start-ups outside of London, boasting thriving life sciences and manufacturing sectors. He praised the leadership of Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, which has led to many successful ongoing projects in Birmingham which should not be brought into disrepute by the political failings of the council. The Secretary of State concurred that the city has many strengths that should be celebrated, highlighting the Commonwealth Games, held in Birmingham in 2022, as one of its great triumphs.
In relation to Solihull Council, Saqib asked the Secretary of State to make an assurance that they would be unaffected by the problems being dealt with by the Birmingham City Council, considering ongoing projects on which they are collaborating. In response, the Secretary of State confirmed that there would be no adverse effect on the residents of Solihull and that he would continue to ensure that the local authority in Solihull receives the support it deserves.
Commenting on the news, Saqib said:
“My priority is to make sure that my constituents remain unaffected by these issues. Solihull Council continues to be exemplary, and it is vital that their projects are not hindered by their association with Birmingham City Council. The Secretary of State’s assurances on this matter are most welcome and I will continue to do all I can to support Solihull Council.”
“It is important to remember that Birmingham is still a thriving city with a lot to offer. Under the leadership of Andy Street, the West Midlands region has gone from strength to strength, and I have no doubt that this will continue.”
