Birmingham is one of the greatest cities in the world.

But right now, it’s not working for everyone.

Services are stretched. Streets are neglected. Council structures are outdated. Too many decisions are made without residents.

We believe Birmingham can do better.

This movement is about putting people first, delivering cleaner streets, safer communities, accountable leadership and investment that benefits Birmingham residents.

About Better Birmingham

Better Birmingham is an independent reform movement focused on delivering practical solutions for the people of our city.

We believe local government should work for residents, not bureaucracy, political games or outdated systems. Too many communities across Birmingham feel ignored while services decline and decisions are made without local voices being heard.

Our movement is built on transparency, accountability and community-first leadership. We want a council that listens to residents, invests fairly in neighbourhoods and delivers visible improvements people can actually feel in their daily lives.

Better Birmingham is about restoring pride in our city through cleaner streets, safer communities, stronger public services and modern leadership that puts Birmingham residents first.

We are not driven by ideology. We are driven by outcomes, fairness and a belief that Birmingham deserves better.

Policies for a Fairer Birmingham

Fairer Funding for Communities

  • Target deprived communities with additional funding
  • Create ward-level budgets giving councillors direct spending influence

Council Reform & Accountability

  • Modernise cabinet structures
  • Break down oversized cabinet roles
  • Introduce Deputy Cabinet Member roles
  • Clearer accountability similar to councils such as Leeds

Pension Fund Review &
Local Investment

  • Review potential surplus within the West Midlands Pension Fund
  • Explore responsible recovery of overpayments and local reinvestment opportunities
  • Increase transparency around pension forecasting and reserve management

Ethical Investment
Policy

  • Divest pension investments from funds linked to countries committing human rights violations
  • Ensure Birmingham’s public money reflects ethical standards and community values

Immediate Priorities for Birmingham

Cleaning Up Birmingham

  • City-wide clean-up reset programme
  • At least one free bulky waste collection per household annually
  • Strengthened street cleansing operations

Roads, Pavements & Public Safety

  • Targeted repair programme for roads and pavements
  • Improve public safety infrastructure

Private Hire Vehicle Access

  • Introduce access for licensed private hire vehicles in selected bus lanes

EV & Drop Kerb Reform

  • Move toward case-by-case drop kerb assessments
  • Support EV adoption through practical planning reform
  • Consider incentives for homes with EV chargers
  • Ensure pedestrian accessibility remains protected

Coroner & Death Certification Reform Review

  • Review delays and inefficiencies in current systems

Bereavement Services Improvement

  • Longer cemetery opening hours
  • Fairer burial fees
  • Better support for residents without family or guardians
  • Review inequalities between cemetery pricing across Birmingham
immediate-icon7

Investment in Leisure Centres

  • Improve leisure centre facilities
  • Enhance BeActive scheme
  • Support non-profit community sporting organisations

Featured Commentary

Pension Fund Commentary

We want a serious and transparent review of the West Midlands Pension Fund to establish whether substantial surplus reserves exist beyond operational requirements.

Questions need answering:

  • How much surplus exists?
  • Can funds be responsibly recovered and reinvested into Birmingham services?
  • Are analyst projections overly cautious?
  • Why are residents facing cuts while large reserves may exist?

The public deserves transparency and accountability over how money is managed.

We want a serious and transparent review of the West Midlands Pension Fund to establish whether substantial surplus reserves exist beyond operational requirements.

Questions need answering:

  • How much surplus exists?
  • Can funds be responsibly recovered and reinvested into Birmingham services?
  • Are analyst projections overly cautious?
  • Why are residents facing cuts while large reserves may exist?

The public deserves transparency and accountability over how money is managed.

We want a serious and transparent review of the West Midlands Pension Fund to establish whether substantial surplus reserves exist beyond operational requirements.

Questions need answering:

  • How much surplus exists?
  • Can funds be responsibly recovered and reinvested into Birmingham services?
  • Are analyst projections overly cautious?
  • Why are residents facing cuts while large reserves may exist?

The public deserves transparency and accountability over how money is managed.

Birmingham Works Best When Residents Are Heard

Join a growing movement focused on practical reform, cleaner streets, stronger communities and accountable leadership.

     

    Birmingham City Council Wards

    • Acocks Green
    • Allens Cross
    • Alum Rock
    • Aston
    • Balsall Heath West
    • Bartley Green
    • Billesley
    • Birchfield
    • Bordesley & Highgate
    • Bordesley Green
    • Bournbrook & Selly Park
    • Bournville & Cotteridge
    • Brandwood & Kings Heath
    • Bromford & Hodge Hill
    • Castle Vale
    • Druids Heath & Monyhull
    • Edgbaston
    • Erdington
    • Frankley Great Park
    • Garretts Green
    • Glebe Farm & Tile Cross
    • Gravelly Hill
    • Hall Green North
    • Hall Green South
    • Handsworth
    • Handsworth Wood
    • Harborne
    • Heartlands
    • Highters Heath
    • Holyhead
    • Kings Norton North
    • Kings Norton South
    • Kingstanding
    • Ladywood
    • Longbridge & West Heath
    • Lozells
    • Moseley
    • Nechells
    • Newtown
    • North Edgbaston
    • Northfield
    • Oscott
    • Perry Barr
    • Perry Common
    • Pype Hayes
    • Quinton
    • Rubery & Rednal
    • Shard End
    • Sheldon
    • Small Heath
    • Soho & Jewellery Quarter
    • South Yardley
    • Sparkbrook & Balsall Heath East
    • Sparkhill
    • Stirchley
    • Stockland Green
    • Sutton Four Oaks
    • Sutton Mere Green
    • Sutton Reddicap
    • Sutton Roughley
    • Sutton Trinity
    • Sutton Vesey
    • Sutton Walmley & Minworth
    • Sutton Wylde Green
    • Tyseley & Hay Mills
    • Ward End
    • Weoley & Selly Oak
    • Yardley East
    • Yardley West & Stechford
    • Other