The Bad News: Birmingham City Council failures 

The deeply depressing and worrying facts about Labour’s control of Birmingham City Council and its negative effects on Sutton Coldfield are becoming clearer by the day. 

Our government is doing its best to help but it is important to recognise that Labour are the elected group and it is for Labour to sort this out. 

To govern is to choose and it rests with Labour as the governing party to sort out their mess here. 

I thought it would be helpful to reproduce here what the 4 Conservative Sutton Coldfield BCC councillors said in the Birmingham City Council meeting this week. All our Conservative councillors are working hard to defend our Town from the fallout of Labour’s bad management of our affairs, but only 4 of them were called in the debate. Here is what Councillors Ewan Mackey, David Pears, Richard Parkin, and Alex Yip told the Council:-

Ewan Mackey:

‘As the financial woes of Labour led Birmingham City Council continue, we wait to find out the exact form government intervention will take.  With the Leader still refusing to take a decision to stop the £14m a month equal pay bill rising further we stand ready as a responsible opposition to work with commissioners, officers, partners, and anyone else ready to put the interests of Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield first. 

Amongst other priorities, we believe it is vital that the cultural and heritage assets of our local area are protected from any Labour fire sale to pay for their failures. These places, many gifted to the people of the city and the royal town, are there to be enjoyed in perpetuity. Places like Sutton Park, Vesey Gardens, Holy Trinity Churchyard, are there for us all to enjoy, they attract visitors and investment and are vital to the wellbeing of residents. We will not allow Labour to rob future generations of these treasures.’

David Pears: 

‘In over 25 years of being a Councillor I have never attended such a sad meeting for residents.

In my experience when you see a set of accounts over you should read the attached auditors letter (equal pay warnings)! 

Ignore the auditor letter and we end up needing to find over £800m today! I learnt you should listen to officers and take action on good advice. If you don’t, and do nothing, you end up with a section 114 Notice which is why we are here today!  

I reflected and thought who is in control of this Council. Ah yes, it’s Labour lead with bankruptcy values. I thought about locally what could happen. Half of Sutton Coldfield Town Centre is owned by property services of BCC, which may need to be sold off, with the result the Town Centre masterplan may not be delivered!

Sutton Park: I heard today the 15 vehicles used by rangers have had their petrol supplies rejected, this may mean the animal welfare officers in parks will not be able to function so our ponies will be neglected!

Over the last few days, I heard the promised pothole repairs in Little Sutton Lane will be delayed as a result of the financial crisis so the holes will just get bigger! Again, I thought who is in control- Labour letting us down again!

Lord Mayor, I think now our residents will sadly remember who controls the council, not listening to auditors and officers and failing to take action over the last 6 years to address the accumulated pay risk.

Let’s hope that after today’s meeting, changes are made to the Control of our City!’

Richard Parkin:

“Over the past few weeks Labour-run Birmingham City Council (BCC) has been publicly humiliated. It now faces the indignity of being run by Government appointed commissioners and will be subject to a local enquiry into what went wrong. 

It has taken weeks for Labour Council Leader John Cotton to come out with a half-hearted apology, yet even now he still blames Government cuts for the Council’s abject failures and incompetence.

It is clear that the Labour administration has no one but itself to blame for bankrupting BCC.

Commissioner Max Caller has previously said that in all his interventions at local authorities lack of funding has never been the reason for breakdown, but that ‘culture and governance’ are to blame. He will find that BCC is no different.

The first Section 114 notice made it clear that the cause of this disaster is the equal pay liability ignored by Labour since 2017. And to make matters worse the Council continues to avoid tackling the job evaluation issue which led to it being issued with a second Section 114 notice along with a Section 5 notice.

Not only has Labour BCC failed to learn the lessons from the past, it remains incapable of facing up to the solutions for the future – unwilling and unable to act decisively. As the external auditor observed: “all I am seeing is inaction”.

Over the past six years equal pay warnings have been ignored and information hidden. John Cotton said he was ‘surprised to learn’ of the equal pay liability in June. But emails show that he was made aware of a potential £800m black hole on February 3rd, if not earlier.

And even now BCC continues to bury its head in the sand as the equal pay costs grow by an additional £14m a month.

The Council’s promise of a ‘golden decade’ of opportunity has been shown to be an illusion. Previous boasts from the Council Leader himself that BCC’s finances were in the best state for 30 years are now laughable.

Labour BCC is unfit for office. Its own national party has described it as ‘dysfunctional’. 

The City Council has lost the trust of hard-working Suttonians who are fearful of the impact from cuts in services and council tax rises. It has tarnished Brand Birmingham, putting future investment in the area at risk.

Labour BCC has brought immeasurable shame and incalculable damage upon Birmingham. It has broken Birmingham and trashed its good name. 

This will be their legacy.”

Alex Yip:

‘While attention rightly focuses on what will happen to our city- we must not, we cannot, forget the fundamental question of HOW did we- the largest authority in Europe- become bankrupt, and who is responsible.

Because it is honesty to residents and to each other which must be at the heart of any recovery plan, without which, any and all efforts to restore our city will merely be built on sand. 

It is clear that it is mismanagement and inaction over the city’s Equal pay liability over years, and this alone, that has bankrupt the city. And any assertions to the contrary is utterly disingenuous. Because it is a matter of public record that not one year ago Cllr Cotton himself declared while other “authorities have buckled under the pressure, Birmingham hasn't, we’ve come through these challenges with our finances in the best state they’ve been for three decades.”

What has happened in our city is entirely self-caused and any attempt by politicians to blame anything else is that typical political tactic of deflecting blame and responsibility and misleading our residents.

I urge speakers to be honest about the causes of the crisis because it is this misdirection and blame which makes politics so hated, distrusted, and will stop people from believing in what we will need to do together to fix it- when politics is deployed not for good but to obscure the fundamental question of how can a ten year labour administration claim to not know about 6 years of equal pay liabilities worth hundreds of millions of pounds?

There can only be two options- either the Labour administration knew, and did nothing, or didn't know and were incompetent. It can only be one of the two.

And on this, there are articles, and reports and email chains all pointing to the undeniable fact that the Administration did in fact know of the existence of an equal pay liability many years ago. 

Cabinet February 2023 describing an equal pay liability of up to £800m, the monitoring officer stating that the cabinet were aware of the liability, an interview with Cllr Cotton himself in 2022, as the cabinet member in charge of the city’s HR, where he described pay inequalities in the city between staff as QUOTE” something that we’ve all agreed we can never accept.” There is a cabinet decision September 2022 to “update it’s action plan to address pay inequalities in the council.”

Earlier still- 2019 external auditors reporting that Equal Pay was still a major risk, earlier still- when they settled the bin strike in 2017, they were warned they were creating an equal pay liability-

But as early as the summer of 2017, a cabinet report citing “significant financial implications” due to further equal pay claims, the implementation of a new operating model” with the “equal pay controversy likely remain on the council's formal 'risk register' – for the foreseeable future”

And yet, in the face of all this, the Leader of the Council, still maintains that he did not know the scale until after he became leader a few months ago.

With the eyes and ears of the nation, commissioners, press, with local and judge appointed reviews pending, and for any recovery plan to have any credibility, this Labour administration needs to stop blaming budget cuts, be honest about when they first knew, and why nothing was done year after year. 

Because there are serious questions which lead on from this- did the Leader knowingly withhold relevant information in the Council’s 2023 budget? Did he mislead the chamber? Was it an illegal budget?

When does inaction become neglect? At what point does wilful mismanagement become malfeasance in public office? How many years of inaction become negligent and gross mismanagement? 

I urge members to get to the bottom of this so we can give residents real answers. For the years of change and hardship we are about to inflict, do we not at least owe them the truth?’

I can report that the minister for Local Government, Lee Rowley, will be sending a contribution for my message next Friday. I anticipate further announcements from the government early next week on how we intend to proceed.

The Good News: Gearing up for the Royal Town’s 500th anniversary 

The Leader of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, Simon Ward, has made the following announcement:

‘I am delighted to be able to report that at its meeting on Tuesday the Town Council unanimously agreed to lead the creation of an organising group to plan for the 500th anniversary of Royal Sutton Coldfield.  The quincentenary celebrations will be an amazing opportunity to mark a truly remarkable milestone. 

Organisations such as Holy Trinity Church (where Bishop Vesey was laid to rest); Bishop Vesey Grammar School (celebrating its own 500th anniversary and its eponymous founder); and Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust (whose origins lie in the creation of the Town) will be key members of the group. We will also be involving the West Midlands lieutenancy as representatives of his majesty the King. 

We are delighted that Andrew Mitchell MP has agreed to be President of the Organising Group.

What will be crucial is the involvement of community groups and Suttonians of all ages in creating a series of events that will showcase both our rich heritage and our exciting future.

Please watch this space for developments over the coming months and years and let’s all make 2028 a truly memorable landmark for our Royal Town.’

I spoke in the House of Commons about the 400th anniversary of Sutton’s Royal status in the debate where we secured the reassertion of our royal status back in 2014.

This is an extract :-

The royal town status of Sutton Coldfield was recognised again in July 1928 when, on the 400th anniversary of the granting of the charter by Henry VIII, the town celebrated by holding a pageant. Thanks to diligent local research, we have located a printed programme of festivities, which includes a letter from Buckingham palace after His Majesty King George V had received a copy of a book of the pageant. The letter reads:

“In thanking you I am commanded to express His Majesty’s best wishes for the success of the Pageant which has been organised to commemorate the four hundredth year of the granting to the Town of a Royal Charter by King Henry VIII.”

I am honoured to have been asked to be the President of the committee set up to organise appropriate celebrations for this important moment in our Town’s history and accept with great pleasure.

Concerns regarding HS2

This week I have received emails from constituents regarding speculation around possible HS2 cuts after reports have been circulating in the press.

I would like to reiterate that this is only hearsay, but I am in close touch with Andy Street and remain committed to ensuring our regional interests are properly represented in this important matter.

Second Cost of Living Payment

In the next few weeks, details will be released about the second of three cost-of-living payments for those eligible. This payment will be made between 31 October and 19 November.

The record levels of financial support over the past year and a half have already supported families across Sutton Coldfield, and this latest £300 cost-of-living payment for 6,900 eligible households will make a huge difference to the most vulnerable and those on the lowest incomes this autumn.

These cost-of-living payments are for those eligible and on means-tested benefits, such as universal credit, pension credit, or tax credits, and will help families affected by global inflation caused by Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine and the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is automatically and directly paid to eligible households so there is no need to apply.

Eligible pensioner households will also receive a further £300 payment later this year as an addition to the Winter Fuel Payment.

Parliament is in conference recess this week but, as well as my constituency work throughout Sutton Coldfield, my ministerial work continues.

International Climate Finance and Sustainable Development Goals

Many of my constituents expressed their worry about last week’s new approach to reaching our Net Zero goals. But, as I mentioned in my message last week, we are very much doing our part, both domestically and globally to see a greener future and as development minister I see this continuously.

My work in the foreign office oversees all the ways we support developing nations take up low-carbon development and manage natural resources sustainably, and how we continue to utilise International Climate Finance to reach these goals.

The goals we have met have included:

- supporting 100m people globally to adapt to the effects of climate change 

- avoiding 413,000 hectares of ecosystem loss 

- improving access to clean energy for nearly 70m people

You can read more about our progress in the last decade here:

 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-international-climate-finance-results-2023#

The UK also supports UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which include improving access to affordable and clean energy. 

On Tuesday the foreign office supported #SDGFlagDay to commemorate the UK’s commitment to these goals - https://twitter.com/AndrewmitchMP/status/1706676202730123680

Missing person now found safe

In my message last week, I shared a notice about a missing person- I am glad to share that Nicky has now been found safe.

October 2023 Changes to bus services

TfWM has written to me to let me know that there will be a small number of bus changes from 29th October 2023.  

Out of 394 total services, there will be changes to approximately 32 services which are summarised in the attached table.  

Detailed information on all of the service changes, including alternative routes where possible, can be found at https://www.tfwm.org.uk/plan-your-journey/ways-to-travel/buses-in-the-west-midlands/upcoming-bus-service-changes/

Royal Sutton Coldfield Conservative Association Annual Dinner 2023

We are thrilled to launch the Royal Sutton Coldfield Conservative Association Annual Dinner 2023 this weekend! 

Our speaker this year is the infamous, lively and passionate Rt Hon Johnny Mercer MP, my cabinet colleague and Minister of State for Veterans Affairs, who will be sure to provide us all with a phenomenally entertaining talk. 

Please do join us at 7pm on Friday 3rd November 2023 at Moor Hall Hotel for a wonderful three course dinner and a fantastic evening with local Conservative friends, supporters and neighbours. 

Tickets are £50 each, and tables of 10 can be purchased for £500. 

We have already pre-sold a number of tables, so please reserve your place quickly to avoid disappointment.

Tickets can be reserved by emailing ckhorrocks@yahoo.co.uk

Above: Last year our guest of honour was former prime minister Theresa May, seen here with senior royal town Tories, your Member of Parliament, and your brilliant regional mayor Andy Street. The former Prime Minister spoke to a full house in what was a very successful and enjoyable event.

MHRC Locations

Please see below the visits scheduled for the week commencing 2nd October 2023 of the BCC Mobile Household Recycling Centre.

·      Tue 03/10/2023, Ley Hill Road B75 6TE, 07:00 - 12:30 Sutton Mere Green

·      Wed 04/10/2023, Lisures Drive B76 1BG, 07:00 - 12:30 Sutton Reddicap

·      Thu 05/10/2023, Harvest Fields Way B75 5TJ, 07:00 - 12:30 Sutton Roughley

·      Fri 06/10/2023, Ebrook Road B72 1NU, 07:00 - 12:30 Sutton Trinity

Neighbourhood Development and Support Unit

I have received the latest update from the NDSU in relation to External Funding. Please see for any opportunities that may be available to you and your organisation.

NDSU external funding bulletin - September 2023 | Birmingham City Council

#MYTOWNHALL

Your Town Hall requires donations to protect our heritage building for future use.

We are launching an APPEAL FOR £200k in order to continue to support Your Town Hall and protect it for the future community use, value and enjoyment. 

In this present situation of rising material prices, heating bills and social costs, why should YOU consider supporting your town hall? Because it is a precious historical building, an asset to the area, and the Trust needs support to keep it functioning. 

How to Support:

We are asking you to be as generous as you can, to enable the Town Hall to meet its present commitments. We are relying on your support. Every little helps ! 

Thank you! 

From all of the team at Sutton Coldfield Community Town Hall Trust and the trustees.

Donate with PayPal Giving Fund

You can read and subscribe to the Town Hall’s newsletter here: The Town Hall Presents: Summer is Here! (mailchi.mp)

UK Parliament Week

This year UK Parliament Week (UKPW) is taking place from 6-12 November.

Sign up for your free kit and explore @UKParliament and how to get involved on the issues that matter to you. 

UKPW is a great way to find out about UK Parliament and get a better understanding of the crucial work Parliament does.

#UKPW ukparliamentweek.org  

ASLEF strike action

ASLEF, the train drivers’ union, has announced strike action for 16 train on 30 September and 4 October. 

 With each strike day, late services the night before and early services the next day will also be affected. 

A summary of the strike action and the impact is shown below.

As your MP I am here to help. If you feel I can assist with any concerns, please do not hesitate to get in contact by emailing me on andrew.mitchell.mp@parliament.uk