The Conservative Party in Birmingham has pledged to scrap Labour's controversial plan for fortnightly bin collections if it gains control of the city council in the upcoming local elections.
A Six-Point Plan to 'Restore Credibility'
Unveiling a six-point election blueprint, local Tory leader Councillor Robert Alden committed his party to ending the city's protracted bin strike and reinstating weekly refuse rounds. He asserted that a Conservative-run council would "work tirelessly to rebuild trust, protect local services and ensure Birmingham has the leadership it deserves."
Alden highlighted the precarious position of the current Labour administration, noting that "Labour can lose control of the council if they lose just 15 seats" in the all-out elections this May.
Criticism of Labour's Record and Financial Management
The Conservatives launched a sharp critique of the Labour-led council's tenure, accusing it of failing residents through service cuts and council tax hikes. A party spokesperson cited a series of financial crises, including unresolved Equal Pay liabilities exceeding £1 billion, a disastrous IT system rollout that cost over £170 million against a £19 million budget, and the sale of over £200 million of council assets to cover overspends.
The spokesperson pointed to the severe impact on everyday life, stating: "Residents have endured cuts to services, higher taxes, and the year-long bin strike which drew rats to gorge themselves on 25,000 tonnes of rubbish on Birmingham’s streets at any one time."
The Conservative Party's Pledges for Birmingham
The newly revealed six-point plan outlines specific commitments the Tories say will fix the city's problems. The key pledges include:
- Scrapping the proposed shift to fortnightly bin collections, maintaining a weekly service, and introducing dedicated clean-up crews.
- Fixing potholes and broken pavements immediately to avoid more expensive long-term repairs.
- Cracking down on poorly managed exempt accommodation and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) by halting new HMO creations and converting existing ones back into family homes.
- Protecting and enhancing green spaces by removing car park charges in parks and preventing development on them.
- Tackling anti-social behaviour through increased enforcement.
- Addressing the council's financial mess by balancing the budget, fixing the IT system, and resolving the Equal Pay liabilities.
Labour's Defence of Its Record
In response, Labour Leader Councillor John Cotton defended his party's actions, telling BirminghamLive before the New Year that necessary steps had been taken to stabilise the council's finances. "We have eliminated the £300m blackhole that I inherited when I came in as leader," he claimed.
Cotton pointed to a growth agenda for the city, referencing developments in Digbeth, the Knowledge Quarter, and the Knighthead investment in the Sports Quarter in east Birmingham. He argued these projects were "all helping turn the page on what I know has been a very difficult period for the city and its people."
With the local elections on 2nd May 2026 approaching, the debate over bin collections, street cleanliness, and fiscal responsibility is set to be a central battleground for votes in the UK's second city.
