Welcome to a new week with promising developments for Birmingham, as the city emerges from its financial turmoil with a balanced budget on the horizon. The Dispatch brings you the latest from the council chambers and community happenings across the region.
Birmingham's Financial Turnaround
Tomorrow, Birmingham City Council's cabinet will deliberate on the proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. This spending plan represents a significant milestone, as it is poised to be the first balanced budget since the city declared effective bankruptcy in 2023. The turnaround is largely attributed to a revised government funding approach that now considers deprivation levels when allocating resources.
As one of the top five most deprived areas in the country, Birmingham has secured the maximum possible increase in spending, amounting to 24% per head. This marks a stark contrast to the years of austerity and cuts that preceded it. Council leaders have expressed relief at receiving a multi-year settlement, which provides financial certainty for the next three years rather than the previous annual uncertainty.
A Labour councillor remarked to The Dispatch, "If it wasn't for the settlement we would probably still be struggling." This development signals a potential stabilisation for local services and infrastructure projects that have faced constraints.
Community Responses to Activist Groups
In Moseley, residents took action on Sunday to remove flags installed by the activist group Raise the Colours, who describe themselves as "patriots." The group had visited the neighbourhood last Thursday, affixing Union and England flags to lampposts and engaging in confrontations. One video shared on their social media shows an argument between group leader Ryan Bridge and Independent Candidate's Alliance co-founder Shakeel Afsar.
Liberal Democrat councillor Izzy Knowles attempted to intervene but was unsuccessful. Last month, Knowles submitted a petition alongside Labour and Green councillors, urging the council to address such activities, but was informed that authorities are operating within legal limits. Meanwhile, Stirchley residents are organising collectively to prevent disruptions, with over 200 people reportedly involved in a network resisting the group's actions, including members in Bridge's home area of Bromsgrove.
Local News Highlights
The weekend featured an insightful piece on Sutton Coldfield, examining its relative decline from a once affluent, Conservative-leaning suburb of Birmingham. A resident commented, "It was always a nice destination for us to head to as children. That has pretty much been lost, it is tired and shabby; places change and as a resident for a number of years I feel Sutton has already had its nadir and is on the way back up."
On Thursday, The Manchester Mill published a comparative analysis of Birmingham and Manchester's economies, noting Manchester's trend towards complexity with smaller professional service firms, while Birmingham remains dominated by large manufacturing entities like Jaguar Land Rover.
Additionally, The Dispatch introduced a new staffer, Madeleine, whose first story covered a controversial bird shop in Aston, receiving positive reader feedback.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
For those seeking cultural engagements, several events are on the horizon:
- The Supersonic Festival has announced a two-day event in April, featuring the worldwide premiere of Microplastics, a new live band.
- From Thursday to Sunday, St Paul's Square will host the Firefly light installation by Netherlands design studio Toer, with glowing displays from 5pm.
- Local author Jess Shannon will discuss her debut novel Cleaner at The Heath Bookshop on Thursday, with tickets priced at £4.50.
- Herbert's Yard will hold its monthly Yard Sale artisan market on Sunday, offering food, drinks, and handmade items with free entry.
In other news, a casting call for extras in the upcoming Peaky Blinders film and series has been issued, requiring 1950s attire and hairstyles. Meanwhile, a man was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault at a Star Wars-themed burlesque show at The Old Rep Theatre last month, with police investigations ongoing.
Media and Community Insights
Rail engineer Gareth Dennis has produced a video exploring how HS2 could enable a metro railway system in Birmingham, similar to London's Overground, by freeing up capacity on suburban lines. In culinary news, The Guardian's Grace Dent reviewed Cylla, a new Greek restaurant on Newhall Street, praising it despite criticisms of Birmingham's chain-heavy city centre.
For those tired of dating apps, local magazine Concrete is organising blind dates with a £3 charity shop budget, aiming to foster connections ahead of Valentine's Day.
As Birmingham navigates its financial recovery and community dynamics, The Dispatch continues to provide in-depth coverage of local issues, offering free weekly issues through its mailing list for those interested in supporting traditional local journalism.
