00:00The debate over Birmingham City Council's latest budget has laid bare a city divided between optimistic recovery and deep-seated
00:08local frustration.
00:10The meeting highlighted two wildly different perspectives on Birmingham's current state, with some viewing the city as a powerhouse, citing
00:19investments like HS2 and regeneration projects.
00:22However, opposition and former Labour councillors described the city as a laughingstock and a source of embarrassment, pointing to uncollected
00:31rubbish, rat infestations and the ongoing bin strike as evidence of a shambles.
00:37Labour Council leader John Cotton argued that the authority had turned a corner and ditched the tag of bankrupt Birmingham
00:45after closing an enormous budget gap.
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