A new coalition running Birmingham City Council has set out its key priorities, which include resolving the bins strike, addressing houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), tackling the climate crisis, and combating hate crime.
Following the local elections in May that resulted in significant changes to the city’s political landscape, an alliance of the Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and independent councillors assumed control of the council this summer. They replaced Labour, whose representation dramatically declined in the elections.
This week, the coalition adopted the Fairer Birmingham Partnership Agreement, a document establishing a shared framework for cooperation among its members and outlining their principal objectives. The administration aims for this vision to offer hope to communities facing challenges who voted for change earlier this year.
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The agreement emphasises principles such as respectful cross-party collaboration, prioritising residents' needs over political positioning, promoting transparency, and constructive problem-solving.
Among the coalition’s key priorities is the ambition to build a ‘cleaner, greener city’. Central to this goal is ending the ongoing bins strike and ensuring the council takes robust action to confront the climate crisis. Improvements to public transport are also planned, particularly focusing on areas that have previously been underserved.
Road safety, which has been a persistent issue in Birmingham, is another focus area for the new administration.
The coalition leadership expressed a commitment to fostering an inclusive Birmingham, pledging unwavering support for residents regardless of gender, sexuality, or ethnicity. They stated their vision is shaped by Birmingham’s rich global history as a diverse city.
Responsible financial management is also highlighted. The partnership intends to enhance budget scrutiny, achieve long-term financial sustainability, and involve residents more directly in setting budgets and determining the council’s direction.
Additional priorities outlined in the agreement include addressing inequities related to housing and community services, investing in neglected areas, and promoting social cohesion.
Green Councillor Julien Pritchard, the deputy leader, described the agreement at a cabinet meeting as providing a “clear basis for how the administration is going to work together over the next four years.”
Cllr Harris Khaliq, representing the Better Birmingham group, emphasised the necessity of centering residents and communities, especially those “that have been left behind,” in the council’s work. He highlighted areas such as Ward End, Alum Rock, Small Heath, Sparkhill, and Sparkbrook as examples of communities that have often felt overlooked.
“They have seen services decline; opportunities become harder to access and investment go to other places,” Cllr Khaliq remarked. “The election was a clear message from residents across Birmingham – people voted for change. They wanted a council that understood the pressures facing ordinary families, focused on everyday life.”
Cllr Kamel Hawwash (Green, Stirchley) added, “When we were knocking on doors, there’s no doubt people were looking for hope, and that’s what they kept telling us. I believe this agreement goes a long way towards providing them with the hope that they were looking for.”
The agreement includes a pledge from all coalition councillors to represent Birmingham’s diverse communities with pride and to stand against all forms of hate, including antisemitism, islamophobia, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism. They commit to using their positions to foster community unity.
The administration also promises regular and meaningful engagement with all faith groups across the city. The council leader and deputy leader will personally participate in these efforts.
Together with faith groups, the council plans to develop a programme of activities aimed at tackling hate crime, extremism, and community division.
Furthermore, all members of the administration have committed to undertaking recognised diversity training.
The agreement stipulates firm consequences for breaches of this pledge: any councillor whose conduct seriously violates the commitment during the administration’s term will be ineligible to hold positions representing the coalition. For those already in such roles, a formal review process may result in removal.
At a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Labour group leader Cllr Nicky Brennan called for misogyny to be explicitly recognised as a form of hate in future documents. Cllr Roger Harmer, leader of Birmingham City Council, agreed this was an important point and committed to considering its inclusion.
Reform group leader Cllr Jex Parkin requested transparency regarding the diversity training programmes. Cllr Harmer responded that the training is still being developed and promised updates would be provided in due course.