Be Broke Be Birmingham

Guests: 

- Professor Carl Chinn, MBE A historian, he's a broadcaster and author.

- Jane Hayes She's an award winning, the award winning politics and people editor of Birmingham Live

- Jez Collins The founder of the Birmingham musical archive,

- Alex Yip Conservative councillor for the city of Birmingham representing Sutton Coldfield Wylde Green

Overview: 

In this episode, host Roifield Brown talks about the multifaceted crisis Birmingham is experiencing, focusing on the city's financial predicament, historical context, social conditions, economic disparities, and the impact of austerity measures. The discussion delves deep into the reasons behind Birmingham’s current situation, including the disparity between the bustling city centre and the poverty-stricken suburbs, reflecting on the essentiality of restoring power to local governments and a need for tangible solutions to alleviate the numerous challenges Birmingham faces.

Key Points Discussed: 

1.  Existential Crisis: 

Birmingham is undergoing a serious crisis involving economic, social, and administrative turmoil, significantly impacting its reputation and the livelihood of its citizens.

2.  Equal Pay Claims: 

The city is grappling with equal pay claims amounting to between 650 and 760 million pounds, predominantly impacting women workers and posing substantial liabilities to the council.

3.  A Tale of Two Cities: 

Birmingham is witnessing a stark contrast between a flourishing city centre, characterised by substantial investments and developments, and impoverished neighbourhoods, marked by severe deprivation and deteriorating living conditions.

4.  Impacts of Austerity: 

The austerity measures, implemented since 2010, have exacerbated the existing issues in Birmingham, diminishing public spending and contributing to the rising instances of poverty within the city.

5.  Mismanagement & Accountability: 

Mismanagement of funds, asset misappropriation, and a series of failed projects are among the reasons contributing to Birmingham’s crisis. The discussion sheds light on the urgent need for accountability and rectification from the local and central government.

6.  Housing and Community Crisis: 

Birmingham is facing an acute housing crisis, coupled with the dilapidation of existing housing stock and a growing population, necessitating equitable development and community integration.

7.  Centralised Power: 

The iron grip of central government and limited local financial autonomy is underscored as a major constraint, affecting local councils' ability to foster progress and self-sustain.

8.  Future Trajectory: 

 The discussion hints at a lengthy resolution process involving numerous meetings, the imposition of commissioners, and possible interventions from the government to navigate through the crisis.

Quotable Moments: 

-  Jez Collins:  “Great cities change, they always change, the landscape changes, the communities change, they have to change, they have to adapt, but it’s about how change is done.”

-  Professor Carl Chinn:  “The whole of the working class of Birmingham is being buffeted by winds pouring in from every direction.”

-  Jane Hayes:  “This was very much about scoring political points and making political headway.”

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