Birmingham City Council is responsible for bins, potholes, speed limits, housing and so much more. The local elections on May 7 will see all 101 council seats contested, and the results could have a direct impact on your daily life. Here are six key areas where the outcome matters.
1) Bin Strike and Waste Collection
Birmingham has faced a bins strike for over a year, causing rubbish piles and global headlines. Any new leadership must resolve the dispute with Unite the union. Labour leader Coun John Cotton says an end is 'within sight', but opposition parties are sceptical. The future of waste collection, including fortnightly rubbish collections and resuming recycling suspended since February 2025, will also be decided.
2) Council Tax
Financial turmoil has led to council tax hikes of nearly 5% this year, following rises of 10% and 7.5% after the council's 'bankruptcy'. Labour blames austerity, but missteps like the Oracle and equal pay scandals also contributed. While Cotton claims the 'bankrupt Birmingham' tag is gone, opposition warns of ongoing challenges.
3) Speed Limits and Road Safety
The council can introduce 20mph limits and traffic calming schemes. Its transport plan aims for 20mph on all residential streets, but only the Green Party committed to this at a hustings. Recent steps include a road safety emergency and reducing limits from 40mph to 30mph on several roads. Campaigners will push for more action.
4) Potholes
Motorists face daily pothole problems, with some turning into mini-lakes after wet weather. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Birmingham's pothole fixing compared to Solihull. Both cities received an 'amber' rating under the government's new traffic light system. The Labour government promises multi-year investment for effective repairs.
5) Housing
A housing shortage leaves 20,000 households on the council waiting list, with children in temporary accommodation. At a hustings, all parties agreed this needs fixing, citing lack of council homes and HMO proliferation. Future leaders must prioritise those stuck in temporary housing.
6) Social Care
The council provides services for vulnerable people, but recent cuts closed four day centres, including Harborne Day Centre. Independent candidate James Cross said the closure stripped vital local support. Cabinet member Rob Pocock argued remaining centres must be fully utilised, with wider activities offered. He assured no staff redundancies and continued access for users.
The full list of candidates is available on the city council's website. The election results will shape Birmingham for years to come.
