Birmingham City Council's Labour leader, John Cotton, has undergone a rigorous hour-long public grilling, fielding questions directly from BirminghamLive readers on a host of pressing local issues.
The wide-ranging interview, conducted at the Birmingham Live offices, saw the council leader tackle topics from racism and child poverty to the city's financial recovery and his own Brummie heritage.
Future of an Iconic Music Venue and Citywide Road Safety
One of the most emotive subjects raised was the fate of the iconic Crown pub on Station Street, the famed venue where Black Sabbath first performed. Reader Darren challenged the council to use Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers to rescue the neglected grade two listed building, similar to action taken by Wolverhampton Council.
Cllr Cotton acknowledged the site's immense cultural significance, calling it a "huge part of our musical heritage." He revealed that ongoing discussions are taking place with the owners, Teyoko Inns, and hinted at future developments, stating, "All I can say is 'watch this space, more to come'." While not committing to a CPO at this stage, he emphasised his keenness to protect this vital piece of Birmingham's history.
On road safety, reader Graeme pointed to lives saved by 20mph limits in Wales, asking why Birmingham hadn't followed suit. Cllr Cotton affirmed steps are being taken to reduce speed limits across the city to tackle "endemic" poor driving. When pressed on a blanket 20mph limit, he responded, "We need to continue to look at it, I am not against it."
Pledges on Disability Access and Pavement Parking
Reader Rosie, who now lives with disabilities, delivered a powerful account of the city's "serious shortcomings" in accessibility. She cited poorly maintained pavements, bad crossing designs, and rampant pavement parking as making the city unsafe and reinforcing inequality.
Cllr Cotton pledged to meet with Rosie in the new year to see problem locations firsthand. He acknowledged more work is needed, outlining city centre improvement plans focused on inclusive design, step-free access, enhanced crossings, and clearer signage.
On the related issue of pavement parking, described as a "really serious problem," he explained the council currently lacks the powers for a citywide ban. He also noted the fairness challenge in older areas with narrow streets, stating any solution must work for those communities.
Apology Over Library Cuts and Reasons for Optimism
Facing a question from reader Anya about a 46% reduction in library services alongside a 21% council tax rise, Cllr Cotton offered an apology for the "tough decisions" required to balance the books. He expressed relief that speculation about removing all library services proved unfounded, highlighting a maintained network delivered partly in partnership with community organisations.
Despite the council being under government intervention due to past financial woes, Cotton struck an optimistic note. He pointed to the elimination of a £300 million budget black hole he inherited, reinvestment in services, and major growth projects in Digbeth, the Knowledge Quarter, and the Sports Quarter. This optimism was later bolstered by a favourable multi-year government funding settlement for Birmingham.
The session also covered his condemnation of racists hijacking the Union flag, his defence of the council's stance on child poverty, and his views on the Maccabi Tel Aviv ban row.
