The consequences of more than a decade of government cuts to Birmingham City Council’s budget are seen on our streets today. Rubbish and fly tipping left on our streets are a real concern for residents in our area. To tackle the issue, the council needs the necessary powers and resources to do so. On Tuesday, I highlighted those key concerns in Parliament and what the government can do to support Birmingham City Council. In my contribution to the debate, I said,

“Fly tipping and illegal dumping is a huge problem in my constituency – with Slade Road in Stockland Green, Frederick Road in Gravelly Hill and Farnborough Fields in Castle Vale being particularly badly hit to name just a few areas.

 

“In my city of Birmingham alone, the Council has received 38,142 reports of fly tipping between May 2021 and May 2022.

 

“Fly tipping is against the Brummie spirit.                                                    

 

“But all of this enforcement action, and the increasing demand for it, is taking place after almost a decade of austerity driven cuts. This has created the most challenging period in the Council’s history, as funding for vital services has been cut by a staggering £775 million since 2010.

 

“As a former Councillor in Birmingham, I know just how much the local authority is crying out for more powers and more funding to help beat the curse of illegal rubbish being dumped in our communities.

 

“It is such a huge problem in my constituency, that tackling it will be one of my key priorities in Parliament. But today we need action and resources from the Government, not hot air and empty promises.”

Paulette Hamilton’s full speech: https://youtu.be/gW9XPFJrybU

Paulette Hamilton MP

Member of Parliament for Birmingham Erdington

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