By-election test for Birmingham's basic services

Local TV

Moseley’s by-election lands amid a long refuse dispute and tight council finances. We set out what’s at stake for services, jobs, and the local economy, and how the result could signal voter sentiment ahead of next year’s full council elections.

Transcript

00:00This is a simple choice with big consequences. Who do you trust to get the basics working again?

00:06Moseley votes on 23 October with Labour defending a seat in a ward that cares about practical

00:12results. The headline issues a plain, rubbish piling up during an industrial dispute,

00:18stretched council finances and pressure on everyday services. Residents have seen missed

00:24collections and overflowing streets. Unite says changes hit workers pay. The council says it has

00:30made a fair offer and must protect the budget. Talks have been tense and patience is thin.

00:36Fixing it means an agreement that keeps collections reliable and avoids new costs landing back on

00:42households. Since the council issued a spending control notice departments have cut back and

00:48council tax has gone up. That means fewer staff and slower responses. Voters here know

00:54the bins are tight. They still expect bins emptied, streets cleaned and libraries open.

00:59On the ballot are Lieber, Conservative, Liberal, Democrat, Green, Reform,

01:04a Birmingham community independent and an independent. The themes repeat with different

01:09answers. End the dispute, keep weekly collections, tackle rats and enforce problem parking. Some add

01:17transport measures and heritage protection. Others oppose road filters and street layouts.

01:22They say disrupt trade. For residents and local employers, the question is competence. Can the council

01:28settle the dispute, keep services steady through winter and plan a budget that doesn't push problems

01:34into next year? Parties across the city will read the results as a signal. Are voters backing

01:39steadier management or sending a warning shot over basic services?

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