wall, rishi sunak use the very phrase financial mismanagement. labour is tory cuts, the spiralling cost of adult social care. it is a council with a lot of liabilities, particular challenges, a botched it system, equal pay settlements. that's another story, it goes back years and years. those chickens coming home to roost. all but essential services will cease. what does that mean? surely an essential service is for the people you vote for to run the council competently? on balance the books? and one person's central service is another�*s nonessential service and vice versa. bankrupt birmingham, your take? vice versa. bankrupt birmingham, yourtake? get in vice versa. bankrupt birmingham, your take? get in touch.

looking forward to hearing from you, whether you are in unaffected area or not, wherever you are. understand as a text, i reading texts. the bbc has been sent a video of the father and step mother of sara sharif in which they describe the io—year—old's death as an "incident" — and accuse police in pakistan of harrasing their wider family. it's the couple's first public contact since they left the uk — the day before sara's body was found at a house in surrey. teaching unions have accused ministers of neglect after bbc analysis showed 13 schools with crumbling concrete had re—building projects cancelled by the coalition government in 2010. the government says it's delivered more than 500 building projects since 2015. a preliminary report says last week's flight chaos was the result of an unprecedented system error that shut down the uk's air traffic control in just 20 seconds.

the company which runs the system, nats, says it was caused by a technical glitch in the flight plan of a single aircraft. the bbc crime drama happy valley won best returning drama at the national tv awards. its star, sarah lancashire, also won best drama performance and this year's special recognition award. i love the place, it is an area, it's a town, beautiful city with a great big heart, that has a special place in my heart. i worked for many years there with central television. birmingham council has effectively declared itself bankrupt. huge local authority, £87 million sized hole in

its budget this year. and it is stopping, as i say, all but essential spending. as i say, multiple issues going on here. what is going on here? how did we get here? where are we going? what do you think? let's speak tojoe black in birmingham. all of those questions to be answered in the next hour, and with your own knowledge and expertise, how did we get here? as you say, this is the legal speak, section 114 notice that has been issued by the council. in common parlance, it is broke, bankrupt is also a phrase being bandied around. and we know that money is tight for many councils, but i think the reason why there is a lot of focus on this story is because this is europe's largest local administration, and 10,000 people work for this council. so the fact this has happened is really big

news. why hasn't happened? as we say, lots of councils are facing pressure, there are rising costs and rising demand for things like social care. but there are particular features here birmingham. there is the equal pay dispute. it dates back about ten years or so, a landmark ruling out the supreme court, and it involved female employees, mainly female employees, who said they had missed out on bonuses. that has already cost this council £1 billion. earlierthis already cost this council £1 billion. earlier this year in the summer, the council realised it would still cost at another £760 million. then, if you are still with me, there was a botched it system implantation, that was due to cost about £90 million, but it has run into problems and it could now cost £100 million. that's a lot of figures i have thrown at you. if you

think about how all of that is affected, all in one big pot, it is affected, all in one big pot, it is a lot of money that the council needs to find and now people i worry about what this means for them in birmingham, and what services are going to be cut. the birmingham, and what services are going to be cut-— going to be cut. the equal pay disute, going to be cut. the equal pay dispute, what _ going to be cut. the equal pay dispute, what are _ going to be cut. the equal pay dispute, what are the - going to be cut. the equal pay dispute, what are the roots i going to be cut. the equal pay dispute, what are the roots of| going to be cut. the equal pay i dispute, what are the roots of it, that caused the costs of pay claims to increase from £5 billion up to £40 million per month, ouch, that must find the liability accrued to date, but did not have the resources to find the liability accrued to date. how did that start, how did this happen? like date. how did that start, how did this happen?— date. how did that start, how did this happen? like i say, it started ten ears this happen? like i say, it started ten years ago- — this happen? like i say, it started ten years ago. and _ this happen? like i say, it started ten years ago. and then - this happen? like i say, it started ten years ago. and then these - this happen? like i say, it started i ten years ago. and then these things rumble on. there are all the settlements that need paying. as you say, that figure is costing us millions of pounds per month. it's money and can't afford, and now to find. we know that legally to supply

some services, things like social care, protecting vulnerable people, schools, bin collections, that sort of thing. but people will be concerned about nonessential services in this city, how are they going to be impacted? libraries, for example, if i go to the local library and join example, if i go to the local library andjoin a example, if i go to the local library and join a club or whatever, is that going to be open, are they going to be reduced hours or will the library have to shut? what does it mean for the local park i go to? that sort of thing. it is the nice things now, nonessential services, people are worried about. what things now, nonessential services, people are worried about.- things now, nonessential services, people are worried about. what i am drivin: at, people are worried about. what i am driving at. and _ people are worried about. what i am driving at, and we _ people are worried about. what i am driving at, and we are _ people are worried about. what i am driving at, and we are going - people are worried about. what i am driving at, and we are going to - driving at, and we are going to speak to pat hollinshead, centre manager from speak to pat hollinshead, centre managerfrom manning speak to pat hollinshead, centre manager from manning food speak to pat hollinshead, centre managerfrom manning food hall community centre, which is right on this, the issue about nonessential services. i'm interested in knowing why the equal pay dispute ever happened in the first place, it goes back more than ten years, but how

did birmingham get itself into this situation in the first place? it did birmingham get itself into this situation in the first place?- situation in the first place? it was because around _ situation in the first place? it was because around 174 _ situation in the first place? it was because around 174 employees i situation in the first place? it was i because around 174 employees took this dispute to the supreme court, and they said that they had missed out on bonuses. most of those people were female and in roles that were traditionally by females. they missed out on bonuses, compared to those awarded to other people at the council, in roles traditionally done by males. that is where the dispute comes from. it has cost £1 billion already, and as we said earlier this summer, it was established it is still going to cost more money, £750 million. ., ., , ., million. so, pat hollinshead, manager— million. so, pat hollinshead, manager at— million. so, pat hollinshead, manager at manningford - million. so, pat hollinshead, manager at manningford hall community centre. how is this going

to affect you? i’m community centre. how is this going to affect you?— community centre. how is this going to affect you? i'm not 100% sure how it will to affect you? i'm not 10096 sure how it will affect — to affect you? i'm not 10096 sure how it will affect us. _ to affect you? i'm not 10096 sure how it will affect us, but _ to affect you? i'm not 10096 sure how it will affect us, but it _ to affect you? i'm not 10096 sure how it will affect us, but it will _ to affect you? i'm not 10096 sure how it will affect us, but it will have - it will affect us, but it will have a very bad impact on the community. i run a community centre, we do a lunch club for old people, we do food banks, we do warm space. plus it is rented out for other youth groups. it will have a big impact on us. the whole community will be affected, because it is supposed to be a regeneration of the area as well. it be a regeneration of the area as well. ,., , ~' be a regeneration of the area as well. , ~ ,, ., be a regeneration of the area as well. , ~ ., ., well. it sounds like you are doing amazin: well. it sounds like you are doing amazing stuff— well. it sounds like you are doing amazing stuff there. _ well. it sounds like you are doing amazing stuff there. what - well. it sounds like you are doing amazing stuff there. what do - well. it sounds like you are doing j amazing stuff there. what do you think in general terms if you want to go there, how the council has been running things over the past few years? been running things over the past few ears? ~ ., �* ~' been running things over the past few years?— few years? well, i don't think it's been run properly, _ few years? well, i don't think it's been run properly, to _ few years? well, i don't think it's been run properly, to be - few years? well, i don't think it's

been run properly, to be fair. - few years? well, i don't think it's. been run properly, to be fair. they can't keep blaming something that should have been dealt with ten years ago. they knew they were underpaying people. thank god none of us are paid here, we are all volunteers here. so, that says the council a lot of money, because we are a free caretaker! i have done it for ten years, and are a free caretaker! i have done it forten years, and i are a free caretaker! i have done it for ten years, and i don't want to see the hall a close at all. tell! for ten years, and i don't want to see the hall a close at all. tell us about who _ see the hall a close at all. tell us about who you — see the hall a close at all. tell us about who you help. _ see the hall a close at all. tell us about who you help. the - see the hall a close at all. tell us about who you help. the old - see the hall a close at all. tell us - about who you help. the old people, eve bod about who you help. the old people, everybody on — about who you help. the old people, everybody on the _ about who you help. the old people, everybody on the estate _ about who you help. the old people, everybody on the estate we - about who you help. the old people, everybody on the estate we help, i about who you help. the old people, everybody on the estate we help, in | everybody on the estate we help, in the holidays, the children come, we do a kids club and we feed them, because it is quite a poverty area that we live in. so it will have major effects. it that we live in. so it will have major effects.— major effects. it must be so worrying — major effects. it must be so worrying for _ major effects. it must be so worrying for you _ major effects. it must be so worrying for you and - major effects. it must be so worrying for you and all- major effects. it must be so

worrying for you and all of. major effects. it must be so l worrying for you and all of the people in the community, people who come to the community centre. yes. people in the community, people who come to the community centre. yes, i am sure it will- _ come to the community centre. yes, i am sure it will. the _ come to the community centre. yes, i am sure it will. the food _ come to the community centre. yes, i am sure it will. the food bank, - come to the community centre. yes, i am sure it will. the food bank, the i am sure it will. the food bank, the warm space, the warm spaces are on today, so we are bound to get some questions today off them. you know, the old people, they will be put back into isolation if they close this hall. they were in isolation for a long time and the pandemic was on. wejust got for a long time and the pandemic was on. we just got them back out now. you know, it's going to have an effect on the older generation. it sure is. well, listen, would you like to hear a clip of birmingham city council labour leaderjohn cotton? we are going to play that. talking to bbc radio wn. brute cotton? we are going to play that. talking to bbc radio wm.— talking to bbc radio wn. we will brin: talking to bbc radio wn. we will bring forward _ talking to bbc radio wn. we will bring forward a _ talking to bbc radio wn. we will bring forward a detailed - talking to bbc radio wn. we will bring forward a detailed financialj bring forward a detailed financial plan to— bring forward a detailed financial plan to the city council meeting, as

required _ plan to the city council meeting, as required by— plan to the city council meeting, as required by the 114 motion. there are some — required by the 114 motion. there are some specifics will have to bring — are some specifics will have to bring to— are some specifics will have to bring to that meeting. in fact, it means_ bring to that meeting. in fact, it means we — bring to that meeting. in fact, it means we will continue to deliver on these _ means we will continue to deliver on these things that we have a statutory duty to provide, children's care, social care for adults. — children's care, social care for adults, waste collection, road maintenance, library services, thinge— maintenance, library services, things like _ maintenance, library services, things like that. but it does mean every— things like that. but it does mean every spending decision the council takes _ every spending decision the council takes will— every spending decision the council takes will be subject to more stringent spending controls and oversight by the director of finance _ oversight by the director of finance. so we will be implanting some _ finance. so we will be implanting some of— finance. so we will be implanting some of these controls over the course — some of these controls over the course of — some of these controls over the course of the summer, with the financial— course of the summer, with the financial government rules put in place. _ financial government rules put in place. and — financial government rules put in place, and we will be working with the local_ place, and we will be working with the local garment association, on our financial recovery plan. | the local garment association, on our financial recovery plan.- our financial recovery plan. i want to ask dr martin _ our financial recovery plan. i want to ask dr martin davidson, - our financial recovery plan. i want to ask dr martin davidson, expert our financial recovery plan. i want i to ask dr martin davidson, expert in local govern finance, from the university of south wales. there are various problems here that are particular to be immune. but are

there general problems echoing through the land? there have been problems in croydon and thurrock. could this be coming to a council near you? could this be coming to a council near ou? , ., could this be coming to a council near you?— near you? yes, for the last ten ears near you? yes, for the last ten years or _ near you? yes, for the last ten years or so. — near you? yes, for the last ten years or so, local— near you? yes, for the last ten years or so, local authorities . near you? yes, for the last ten i years or so, local authorities have encountered cutbacks with respective funding _ encountered cutbacks with respective funding. people assume they pay council— funding. people assume they pay council tax and that meet the expenditure they incur. 70% of local authority— expenditure they incur. 70% of local authority budgets are funded via centrai— authority budgets are funded via central government money. the allocation — central government money. the allocation of money. and what they are finding — allocation of money. and what they are finding is that increased pay, rates _ are finding is that increased pay, rates of— are finding is that increased pay, rates of pay, it affects them with respect _ rates of pay, it affects them with respect to — rates of pay, it affects them with respect to the provision of a service _ respect to the provision of a service. getting people to work in the local— service. getting people to work in the local authority is difficult. brevit— the local authority is difficult. brexit hasn't helped, because we used _ brexit hasn't helped, because we used to— brexit hasn't helped, because we used to have a number of european staff, _ used to have a number of european staff, stuffing a lot of these areas — staff, stuffing a lot of these areas. but there is also the minimum wage _ areas. but there is also the minimum wage element. are you going to be working _ wage element. are you going to be working on— wage element. are you going to be working on sociable hours, or are you going — working on sociable hours, or are you going to be working in a supermarket for the same rate of

pay? _ supermarket for the same rate of pay? there — supermarket for the same rate of pay? there are lots of issues that they have — pay? there are lots of issues that they have to encounter. but when you have the _ they have to encounter. but when you have the issues that birmingham have -ot, have the issues that birmingham have got, that— have the issues that birmingham have got, that has pushed them over the edge _ got, that has pushed them over the edge and _ got, that has pushed them over the edge, and the section 114 means that they have _ edge, and the section 114 means that they have tojust edge, and the section 114 means that they have to just provide the services _ they have to just provide the services that they have to, and also look at _ services that they have to, and also look at it _ services that they have to, and also look at it from the perspective of, well, _ look at it from the perspective of, well, what — look at it from the perspective of, well, what can we cut back? as has been _ well, what can we cut back? as has been mentioned. libraries, swimming pools, _ been mentioned. libraries, swimming pools, gardens, building maintenance. we got the issue now with the _ maintenance. we got the issue now with the concrete element. where is that going _ with the concrete element. where is that going to be coming from? if they are — that going to be coming from? if they are schools, they are going to have to _ they are schools, they are going to have to be — they are schools, they are going to have to be paid out of local authority— have to be paid out of local authority budgets. there are lots of issues _ authority budgets. there are lots of issues here — authority budgets. there are lots of issues here that impact on local authorities, simply because they have _ authorities, simply because they have to — authorities, simply because they have to balance their budget. so, moving _ have to balance their budget. so, moving on. — have to balance their budget. so, moving on, the leader has said he will have — moving on, the leader has said he will have a — moving on, the leader has said he will have a meeting, they have to under— will have a meeting, they have to under section 114, they have to reconvene _ under section 114, they have to reconvene within three weeks to readjust— reconvene within three weeks to readjust the budget. and that will mean _ readjust the budget. and that will mean complete cutbacks with respect to what _ mean complete cutbacks with respect to what they are going to be spending on. to what they are going to be spending on-_ to what they are going to be spending on.

to what they are going to be sendin: on. ., , ., spending on. how significant are the government — spending on. how significant are the government cuts _ spending on. how significant are the government cuts in _ spending on. how significant are the government cuts in funding - spending on. how significant are the government cuts in funding to i spending on. how significant are the government cuts in funding to locall government cuts in funding to local authorities? is there not an expectation that it is the local authority's job, expectation that it is the local authority'sjob, the expectation that it is the local authority's job, the council's job to look at the money they are getting and manage it responsibly? has this happened? you getting and manage it responsibly? has this happened?— getting and manage it responsibly? has this happened? you can argue on one hand that — has this happened? you can argue on one hand that they _ has this happened? you can argue on one hand that they are _ has this happened? you can argue on one hand that they are managing i has this happened? you can argue on one hand that they are managing it i one hand that they are managing it responsibly. but there are things like pay awards. they don't always get extra money to fund pay awards. that has been happening for the last ten years. because it's a service industry. you are not producing anything, you're not actually passing on any extra costs to a supplier or manufacturer. what you are doing is you are actuallyjust meeting extra costs that they have to incur, that has nothing to do with your management of the money, you know, if minimum wage goes up, you know, if minimum wage goes up, you have to pay it. you know, if minimum wage goes up, you have to pay it— you have to pay it. geraldine in birmingham. — you have to pay it. geraldine in birmingham, hello. _ you have to pay it. geraldine in birmingham, hello. good i you have to pay it. geraldine in i birmingham, hello. good morning. i am sure you — birmingham, hello. good morning. i am sure you have _ birmingham, hello. good morning. i am sure you have something - birmingham, hello. good morning. i am sure you have something to i birmingham, hello. good morning. i am sure you have something to say| am sure you have something to say about this? i

am sure you have something to say about this?— about this? i was a carer for over 20 years- — about this? i was a carer for over 20 years- and — about this? i was a carer for over 20 years. and in _ about this? i was a carer for over 20 years. and in 2010, _ about this? i was a carer for over 20 years. and in 2010, we i about this? i was a carer for over 20 years. and in 2010, we took l 20 years. and in 2010, we took birmingham city council to tribunal for equal— birmingham city council to tribunal for equal pay claims. and they paid out in 2010 — for equal pay claims. and they paid out in 2010. we were put against the binmen. _ out in 2010. we were put against the binmen, because the binmen were earning _ binmen, because the binmen were earning money that we were entitled to, and _ earning money that we were entitled to, and we _ earning money that we were entitled to, and we never got it. it works out that — to, and we never got it. it works out that... anyway, they played the equal— out that... anyway, they played the equal pay— out that... anyway, they played the equal pay claim in 2006. but they never— equal pay claim in 2006. but they never then— equal pay claim in 2006. but they never then paid equal pay. theyjust carried _ never then paid equal pay. theyjust carried on— never then paid equal pay. theyjust carried on again. so i've got friends _ carried on again. so i've got friends who got on equal pay claim in 2010, _ friends who got on equal pay claim in 2010, who are getting an equal pay claim — in 2010, who are getting an equal pay claim again, because they never brought— pay claim again, because they never brought our— pay claim again, because they never brought our wages up to the men. so they've _ brought our wages up to the men. so they've had _ brought our wages up to the men. so they've had exactly the same. they should _ they've had exactly the same. they should have started paying it, from once they— should have started paying it, from once they were found guilty of not paying _ once they were found guilty of not paying people, wouldn't you think they would equal pay? but they

didn't — they would equal pay? but they didn't so — they would equal pay? but they didn't. so now we have had a £780 million _ didn't. so now we have had a £780 million bill— didn't. so now we have had a £780 million bill again for exactly the same _ million bill again for exactly the same thing that they did in 2010. people _ same thing that they did in 2010. people must be worried they are never going to get this money, looking at what has happened? weill. looking at what has happened? well, now they are- — looking at what has happened? well, now they are. they _ looking at what has happened? well, now they are. they will _ looking at what has happened? well, now they are. they will have no payout — now they are. they will have no payout because there is no money there _ payout because there is no money there for— payout because there is no money there for them. why payout because there is no money there for them.— payout because there is no money there for them. why did this happen in the first place? _ there for them. why did this happen in the first place? at _ there for them. why did this happen in the first place? at a _ there for them. why did this happen in the first place? at a time, - there for them. why did this happen in the first place? at a time, it i in the first place? at a time, it was a council with no overall control. labour got control in 2012. so, why did this happen? it's an outrage. brute so, why did this happen? it's an outraae. ~ ., ., , outrage. we found that the binmen and the carers. _ outrage. we found that the binmen and the carers, the _ outrage. we found that the binmen and the carers, the majority - outrage. we found that the binmen and the carers, the majority of i and the carers, the majority of carers — and the carers, the majority of carers are _ and the carers, the majority of carers are women and the binmen are binmen. _ carers are women and the binmen are binmen. they— carers are women and the binmen are binmen, they were getting more money per hour— binmen, they were getting more money per hour than binmen, they were getting more money per hourthan we binmen, they were getting more money per hour than we were. we did a time and motion— per hour than we were. we did a time and motion study, which i was part of. and motion study, which i was part of at _ and motion study, which i was part of at the — and motion study, which i was part of. at the end of the study, they were _ of. at the end of the study, they were given — of. at the end of the study, they were given points. they said it was 1.87 were given points. they said it was w for— were given points. they said it was w for the — were given points. they said it was 1.87 for the carers and 1.83 for the

binmen _ 1.87 for the carers and 1.83 for the binmen. which means the higher your score: _ binmen. which means the higher your score the _ binmen. which means the higher your score, the more pay you should get. that is— score, the more pay you should get. that is what— score, the more pay you should get. that is what happened. they were 183 and we _ that is what happened. they were 183 and we were 187. then they brought out a _ and we were 187. then they brought out a new_ and we were 187. then they brought out a new contract and the binmen are still— out a new contract and the binmen are still two— out a new contract and the binmen are still two grades above us on the pay scale _ are still two grades above us on the pay scale. how does that work? you and mackay. — pay scale. how does that work? ym. and mackay, deputy leader of birmingham conservative group, how does that work? —— ewan. i’ee birmingham conservative group, how does that work? -- ewan.— does that work? -- ewan. i've got to start by saying _ does that work? -- ewan. i've got to start by saying i'm — does that work? -- ewan. i've got to start by saying i'm so _ does that work? -- ewan. i've got to start by saying i'm so sorry - does that work? -- ewan. i've got to start by saying i'm so sorry for i does that work? -- ewan. i've got to start by saying i'm so sorry for the i start by saying i'm so sorry for the residents of birmingham, especially the most vulnerable, we have heard from pat and the ones who are going to suffer from the mismanagement that has been held here. we have recently had local elections. just before the local elections, the council leader there declared that birmingham city council's finances with the best they however been in, and there was a golden generation, a

golden decade about to come to birmingham. here we are, just after the election, declared bankrupt. it's purelyjust down to the equal pay claim that started at 750 million. and now is1 billion. there has been if— million. and now is1 billion. there has been £1 billion _ million. and now is1 billion. there has been £1 billion of _ million. and now is1 billion. there has been £1 billion of government cuts in the decade as well. the commonwealth games a big mistake? yellow back at the commonwealth games was a success for the city. what does that mean?— what does that mean? well, ultimately. _ what does that mean? well, ultimately, it _ what does that mean? well, ultimately, it could - what does that mean? well, i ultimately, it could birmingham on the map and showed that birmingham is a great and vibrant city. put birmingham — is a great and vibrant city. put birmingham on _ is a great and vibrant city. put birmingham on the map? birmingham has been on the map for a while. obviously it was good for commerce. but was it good for the council coffers? ., ., , ., _,, , coffers? the ma'ority of the costs ofthat coffers? the ma'ority of the costs of that were — coffers? the majority of the costs of that were paid _ coffers? the majority of the costs of that were paid for _ coffers? the majority of the costs of that were paid for by _ coffers? the majority of the costs of that were paid for by the i of that were paid for by the government. the government paid a lot of that. actually, there was money that came back to birmingham

city council, because not all of it was spent. i'vejust city council, because not all of it was spent. i've just got to be clear about the £1 billion figure that you used there, the £1 billion figure has never come out from their main's finance officers. that figure was the one that came out from the labour group. there was core spending cuts in 2010. i think they are well documented.— spending cuts in 2010. i think they are well documented. austerity, yes. yes, but in — are well documented. austerity, yes. yes. but in 2016. _ are well documented. austerity, yes. yes, but in 2016, from _ are well documented. austerity, yes. yes, but in 2016, from there, - are well documented. austerity, yes. yes, but in 2016, from there, there l yes, but in 2016, from there, there had been... you know, there have been a 34% rise in core spending power, it has risen 7% each year, in line... you know, in real terms. the bbc are quoting unite, not normally big fans of the conservative party, they are equally claiming this is financial mismanagement. i think there is a debate about council funding. buti there is a debate about council funding. but i think we have to be clear, because it is the residents that are going to suffer through this, and i think it has to be clear that the equal pay was settled as

far as 2015, and there was a bin strike in 2017, and it was the way that was resolved, that is where the 750 million is coming from, because it was settled in terms that we warned at the time was unfair and would be a pay claim coming off the back of it, and that is where this is coming from.— back of it, and that is where this is coming from. there has been a lot of internal problems _ is coming from. there has been a lot of internal problems in _ is coming from. there has been a lot of internal problems in the _ is coming from. there has been a lot of internal problems in the labour. of internal problems in the labour party. we are seeking a labour councillor to talk to this morning. obviously we have had no luck so far. i will come back to you in a second. and geraldine as well, because what you are saying is really pertinent to all of this. we have keith in edgbaston. edgbaston is now on the map. hi, keith. rgreat is now on the map. hi, keith. great stadium. absolutely. _ is now on the map. hi, keith. great stadium. absolutely. what- is now on the map. hi, keith. great stadium. absolutely. what do i is now on the map. hi, keith. great stadium. absolutely. what do you | stadium. absolutely. what do you make of this? _ stadium. absolutely. what do you make of this? you _ stadium. absolutely. what do you make of this? you worked - stadium. absolutely. what do you make of this? you worked at i make of this? you worked at birmingham city council for 16 years. this is good.- years. this is good. attracting international _ years. this is good. attracting international businesses i years. this is good. attracting international businesses to i years. this is good. attracting | international businesses to our years. this is good. attracting i international businesses to our fine city and _ international businesses to our fine city and we — international businesses to our fine city and we had some great

successes. i think it is down to personalities, nicky. there are all these _ personalities, nicky. there are all these councillors that have vanity projects. — these councillors that have vanity projects, because they are not good enough _ projects, because they are not good enough to— projects, because they are not good enough to be mps. things like the library. _ enough to be mps. things like the library. the — enough to be mps. things like the library, the olympic games, that was the previous— library, the olympic games, that was the previous bid, the commonwealth games. _ the previous bid, the commonwealth games. you — the previous bid, the commonwealth games, you know, the only council leader— games, you know, the only council leader who — games, you know, the only council leader who had any grasp of finances was sir— leader who had any grasp of finances was sir albert paul, in my opinion. albert— was sir albert paul, in my opinion. albert ball— was sir albert paul, in my opinion. albert ball built the bullring, and all of— albert ball built the bullring, and all of these great places in the city, _ all of these great places in the city, and — all of these great places in the city, and rebuild the city of birmingham. it's a little napoleons, some _ birmingham. it's a little napoleons, some of— birmingham. it's a little napoleons, some of these councillors. that's my take on— some of these councillors. that's my take on it _ some of these councillors. that's my take on it i—

some of these councillors. that's my take on it. i know all about the political— take on it. i know all about the political machinations.- take on it. i know all about the political machinations. there have been a few — political machinations. there have been a few of _ political machinations. there have been a few of those _ political machinations. there have been a few of those over - political machinations. there have been a few of those over the i political machinations. there have l been a few of those over the years. that's a great word, apparatchiks, you reckon there are too many little napoleons? brute you reckon there are too many little napoleons?— napoleons? we had a great guy, a ”lannin napoleons? we had a great guy, a planning director, _ napoleons? we had a great guy, a planning director, clive _ napoleons? we had a great guy, a planning director, clive dutton, i napoleons? we had a great guy, a planning director, clive dutton, hej planning director, clive dutton, he led the _ planning director, clive dutton, he led the department for many years. we had _ led the department for many years. we had the great idea to light up spaghetti junction as an art installation at night. why was i never— installation at night. why was i never done? he had fantastic ideas, he was _ never done? he had fantastic ideas, he was a _ never done? he had fantastic ideas, he was a great brummie, went down and run— he was a great brummie, went down and run the — he was a great brummie, went down and run the olympics in 2012 and sadly— and run the olympics in 2012 and sadly passed away after that, it was his legacy — sadly passed away after that, it was his legacy. but he was a great man for birmingham. and he was an officer. — for birmingham. and he was an officer. he _ for birmingham. and he was an officer, he wasn't a politician. some — officer, he wasn't a politician. some of— officer, he wasn't a politician. some of these politicians need to -et some of these politicians need to get their— some of these politicians need to get their act together, i'm afraid. notwithstanding the equal pay claims, — notwithstanding the equal pay claims, even manifesting themselves when i _ claims, even manifesting themselves when i worked there nearly 20 years a-o. when i worked there nearly 20 years a . o. , when i worked there nearly 20 years

auo. , , , �* , ., ago. this is interesting. let's have ago. this is interesting. let's have a word for — ago. this is interesting. let's have a word for councillors _ a word for councillors and council leaders that may do a greatjob, but you stand accused here, the deputy leader of the birmingham conservative group, guys like you, of not being up to it, a bunch of numpties. of not being up to it, a bunch of numpties— of not being up to it, a bunch of| numpties._ are of not being up to it, a bunch of- numpties._ are you numpties. political pygmies! are you one of those. — numpties. political pygmies! are you one of those, ewan? _ numpties. political pygmies! are you one of those, ewan? as _ numpties. political pygmies! are you one of those, ewan? as democracy l one of those, ewan? as democracy oliticians one of those, ewan? as democracy politicians we _ one of those, ewan? as democracy politicians we stand _ one of those, ewan? as democracy politicians we stand here, - one of those, ewan? as democracy politicians we stand here, and i one of those, ewan? as democracy politicians we stand here, and it i one of those, ewan? as democracy politicians we stand here, and it is| politicians we stand here, and it is for the _ politicians we stand here, and it is for the public to make their view about— for the public to make their view about us— for the public to make their view about us as an individual. and keith 'ust has. i about us as an individual. and keith just has. ithink— about us as an individual. and keith just has. i think he _ about us as an individual. and keith just has. i think he has. _ about us as an individual. and keith just has. i think he has. and - about us as an individual. and keith just has. i think he has. and it i about us as an individual. and keith just has. i think he has. and it is . just has. i think he has. and it is brilliant that _ just has. i think he has. and it is brilliant that he _ just has. i think he has. and it is brilliant that he has _ just has. i think he has. and it is brilliant that he has an _ just has. i think he has. and it is brilliant that he has an opinion. | just has. i think he has. and it is} brilliant that he has an opinion. i really— brilliant that he has an opinion. i really appreciate that he engages. because _ really appreciate that he engages. because not enough people engage in local politics. i think it's excellent, we all try to do our best — excellent, we all try to do our best i— excellent, we all try to do our best. i think it is excellent he has come _ best. i think it is excellent he has come on — best. i think it is excellent he has come on the programme and has let us know what— come on the programme and has let us know what he thinks. that

come on the programme and has let us know what he thinks.— know what he thinks. that is a very neutral, know what he thinks. that is a very neutral. but _ know what he thinks. that is a very neutral, but beautifully _ know what he thinks. that is a very neutral, but beautifully worded - neutral, but beautifully worded answer. geraldine, come back in here, what do you make of what you're hearing? does keith have a point? that people aren't up to muster, who have been running this place? muster, who have been running this lace? , ., ., , place? yes, there are too many chiefs and _ place? yes, there are too many chiefs and not _ place? yes, there are too many chiefs and not enough - place? yes, there are too many chiefs and not enough people . place? yes, there are too many| chiefs and not enough people to work. _ chiefs and not enough people to work. really _ chiefs and not enough people to work, really. wherever- chiefs and not enough people to work, really. wherever i- chiefs and not enough people to work, really. wherever i have i work, really. wherever i have worked, — work, really. wherever i have worked, they— work, really. wherever i have worked, they all— work, really. wherever i have worked, they all have - work, really. wherever i have worked, they all have big - work, really. wherever i have l worked, they all have big egos. quite _ worked, they all have big egos. quite often _ worked, they all have big egos. quite often i _ worked, they all have big egos. quite often i found _ worked, they all have big egos. quite often i found a _ worked, they all have big egos. i quite often i found a department head _ quite often i found a department head thinks— quite often i found a department head thinks it's _ quite often i found a department head thinks it's actually - quite often i found a department head thinks it's actually their- head thinks it's actually their department _ head thinks it's actually their department. you _ head thinks it's actually their department. you know, - head thinks it's actually their department. you know, they head thinks it's actually their- department. you know, they run it is their own _ department. you know, they run it is their own money, _ department. you know, they run it is their own money, i— department. you know, they run it is their own money, i found _ department. you know, they run it is their own money, i found as - department. you know, they run it is their own money, i found as well. . their own money, i found as well. the way— their own money, i found as well. the way it— their own money, i found as well. the way it has _ their own money, i found as well. the way it has been— their own money, i found as well. the way it has been run, - their own money, i found as well. the way it has been run, they- their own money, i found as well. i the way it has been run, they don't follow_ the way it has been run, they don't follow up _ the way it has been run, they don't follow up on — the way it has been run, they don't follow up on what _ the way it has been run, they don't follow up on what they— the way it has been run, they don't follow up on what they should - the way it has been run, they don't. follow up on what they should follow up follow up on what they should follow up on _ follow up on what they should follow up on you _ follow up on what they should follow up on. you know? _ follow up on what they should follow up on. you know? they— follow up on what they should follow up on. you know? they say- follow up on what they should follow up on. you know? they say they - follow up on what they should follow. up on. you know? they say they don't want _ up on. you know? they say they don't want to— up on. you know? they say they don't want to pay— up on. you know? they say they don't want to pay out— up on. you know? they say they don't want to pay out more _ up on. you know? they say they don't want to pay out more money, - up on. you know? they say they don't want to pay out more money, but- up on. you know? they say they don't| want to pay out more money, but they are losing _ want to pay out more money, but they are losing at _ want to pay out more money, but they are losing at left, _ want to pay out more money, but they are losing at left, right— want to pay out more money, but they are losing at left, right and _ are losing at left, right and centre _ are losing at left, right and centre. . .,

centre. pat, come back in here, pat hollinshead- _ centre. pat, come back in here, pat hollinshead. yes? _ centre. pat, come back in here, pat hollinshead. yes? join _ centre. pat, come back in here, pat hollinshead. yes? join us _ centre. pat, come back in here, pat hollinshead. yes? join us again. - centre. pat, come back in here, pat| hollinshead. yes? join us again. got to aaree hollinshead. yes? join us again. got to agree with — hollinshead. yes? join us again. got to agree with that _ hollinshead. yes? join us again. got to agree with that lady. _ hollinshead. yes? join us again. got to agree with that lady. it _ hollinshead. yes? join us again. got to agree with that lady. it should - to agree with that lady. it should have been dealt with years ago. it is true, what she said. if you are paying someone minimum wage, you should pay the minimum wage, not undercut them. and that's exactly what birmingham city council have been doing. it's as simple as that. everybody, after ten years, is suffering. and it'sjust going to get worse and worse. but they are not suffering. get worse and worse. but they are not suffering-— not suffering. they are not suffering? _ not suffering. they are not suffering? they _ not suffering. they are not suffering? they are - not suffering. they are not suffering? they are not. not suffering. they are not - suffering? they are not suffering, are the ? suffering? they are not suffering, are they? to _ suffering? they are not suffering, are they? to be _ suffering? they are not suffering, are they? to be fair, _ suffering? they are not suffering, are they? to be fair, i— suffering? they are not suffering, are they? to be fair, i think - are they? to be fair, i think birmingham city is too big for one counsel. in my opinion, it should be split. south, east, north, west of birmingham. notjust one.

birmingham. not just one. interesting birmingham. notjust one. interesting points, marlene. what do you think? interesting points, marlene. what do ou think? ., ., , , , you think? could i raise the issue with resnect _ you think? could i raise the issue with respect to _ you think? could i raise the issue with respect to volunteers? - you think? could i raise the issue with respect to volunteers? a - you think? could i raise the issue with respect to volunteers? a lot| you think? could i raise the issue i with respect to volunteers? a lot of volunteers — with respect to volunteers? a lot of volunteers are looking at a third sector, — volunteers are looking at a third sector, relying on volunteers, you had somebody talking about the community centres, grant aided facilities, — community centres, grant aided facilities, they are being cut. there — facilities, they are being cut. there is_ facilities, they are being cut. there is an issue with respect to how tocat— there is an issue with respect to how local authorities use their money — how local authorities use their money. but there is this aspect for value _ money. but there is this aspect for value for— money. but there is this aspect for value for money. how do you measure value _ value for money. how do you measure value for— value for money. how do you measure value for money. how do you measure value for money when you are spending _ value for money when you are spending on yourself and spending your own _ spending on yourself and spending your own money, yes, you are probably— your own money, yes, you are probably a _ your own money, yes, you are probably a little bit more cautious? if you _ probably a little bit more cautious? ifyou are _ probably a little bit more cautious? if you are spending somebody else's nroney— if you are spending somebody else's money on _ if you are spending somebody else's money on somebody else, does not even your— money on somebody else, does not even your money, there is an open door— even your money, there is an open door here — even your money, there is an open door here that we are not going to be spending it effectively. this

door here that we are not going to be spending it effectively.- be spending it effectively. this is the conservative _ be spending it effectively. this is the conservative argument - be spending it effectively. this is the conservative argument about be spending it effectively. this is - the conservative argument about the labour pattern, when they are in power, when they are in government. as i said earlier on, to use the vernacular, they are spaffing it against the wall, mismanagement, words used specifically about the situation by the prime minister, rishi sunak. geraldine, i have a text message for you. the women of birmingham have bankrupted the council. it's not that equal pay isn't right and fair, you apply for thejob at a isn't right and fair, you apply for the job at a salary advertised. nobody you to take the job. to offer uplifts retrospectively is not financially viable, that is from john in cheltenham. you answer, i will hide. �* will hide. right, then. at the beginning. — will hide. right, then. at the beginning, when _ will hide. right, then. at the beginning, when we - will hide. right, then. at the beginning, when we took- will hide. right, then. at the beginning, when we took the will hide. right, then. at the - beginning, when we took the accounts of one equal pay claim, they were actually paying the binmen £50 per weekjust actually paying the binmen £50 per week just to attend actually paying the binmen £50 per weekjust to attend work. and it came up, it was in the birmingham evening mail, a man had been off

work for six months, and yet every week he still got his £50. and he wasn't attending work. so we do more of a job, is the time and motion study proved, we do more of a job than they do, and yet we get less pgy- than they do, and yet we get less pay. why should we get less pay? why? and why shouldn't we all be paid equally? that is what it was all about. and now, because they never followed up on the last equal play claim that they had in 2010, we knew straight afterwards when they had drawn up the new contract that we were getting less pay, still. so they never address the problem after losing... it was about 600 million then that they lost. that they have to pay us, well, they didn't lose it, they have to pay us, because they haven't been paying it for 30 or a0 years. aha,

they haven't been paying it for 30 or 40 yew-— they haven't been paying it for 30 or 40 years. a caller in glasgow... don't forget. _ or 40 years. a caller in glasgow... don't forget. we — or 40 years. a caller in glasgow... don't forget, we have _ or 40 years. a caller in glasgow... don't forget, we have male - or 40 years. a caller in glasgow... don't forget, we have male carers| or 40 years. a caller in glasgow... i don't forget, we have male carers on the same pay as us, because that is what they applied for. yes. the same pay as us, because that is what they applied for.— what they applied for. yes. a caller from glasgow. _ what they applied for. yes. a caller from glasgow, but _ what they applied for. yes. a caller from glasgow, but knows _ what they applied for. yes. a caller i from glasgow, but knows birmingham very well. stick your in. lam one i am one of the hospital doctor, can you hear me 0k? irate i am one of the hospital doctor, can you hear me 0k?— you hear me ok? we have got you erfect, you hear me ok? we have got you perfect. 0k. _ you hear me ok? we have got you perfect. ok. so — you hear me ok? we have got you perfect, ok. so we _ you hear me ok? we have got you perfect, ok. so we had _ you hear me ok? we have got you perfect, ok. so we had real- perfect, ok. so we had real difficult times _ perfect, ok. so we had real difficult times with - perfect, ok. so we had real difficult times with our - perfect, ok. so we had real difficult times with our son, perfect, ok. so we had real- difficult times with our son, who is autistic and learning disability, so i was going through, you know, training in hospital, having registrar post, so we lived in birmingham for ten years but had real difficulty getting any social services input for the care, for our son, so basically we had almost you know, despite of mps help, etc,

although he had really good schooling, in birmingham, but, the general care was really disappointing, we didn't even know who our social service person was, you know, in charge person, for despite living there for that long, we had two hours per week, you know, it is really hands on, fulljob, so eventually, we got good advice from some of our friends within the child mental health service and we moved over to scotland, and ten years ago that was, and that is the best decision we did, we had initially, within the first four weeks we had four hours care for my son and two hours in the morning, two in the evening and that was really helpful for us, as a family. and eventually with the difficult situation, he went into full—time care, he is

going to become 18 now, but over the last ten years i think we had the best support here in scotland, and i sort of share quite a lot of other people's difficulty, living in in the birmingham area, because i think i agree with all the other people who came online, there is services, so stressed because top of demand is so stressed because top of demand is so high, i don't think they have the resources to look after everybody, that certainly i'm not entirely sure what exactly needs to be done, but, the comparison to birmingham, to to scotland, we have such a better quality of social care, input, for especially, you know, looking after the needy. especially, you know, looking after the need . ~ ., ., especially, you know, looking after the need . ~ . ., ., ., the needy. well, what an amazing difference for _ the needy. well, what an amazing difference for your _ the needy. well, what an amazing difference for your son, _ the needy. well, what an amazing difference for your son, clearly, i difference for your son, clearly, thank you so much. really

interesting comparison to draw. birmingham is bankrupt. your take. it is 9.32. niesmt really interesting texts coming in, and they are are coming up. right now here is right now here is the news from dan. the father and step—mother of sara sharif have appeared in a video in which they describe the 10—year—old's death as an "incident", and say they will cooperate with uk authorities. it's the couple's first public contact since they left the uk, the day before sara's body was found at a house in surrey. bbc analysis has found that 13 schools with crumbling concrete had rebuilding projects cancelled by the coalition government in 2010. the government says it's delivered more than 500 building projects since 2015,

but teaching unions have accused ministers of neglect. a preliminary report says last week's flight chaos was the result of an unprecedented system error that shut down the uk's air traffic control in just 20 seconds. the company which runs the system, nats, says it was caused by a technical glitch in the flight plan of a single aircraft. the bbc crime drama happy valley won best returning drama at the national tv awards. its star, sarah lancashire, also won best drama performance and this year's special recognition award. novak djokovic is through to a record a7th grand slam semi—fina,l a record a7th grand slam semi—fina, novak djokovic is through to a record a7th grand slam semi—final, after he beat taylor fritz in the last eight at the us open. he'll face the american ben shelton, who beat compatriot francis tiafoe in new york. later, carlos alcaraz faces alex zverev. coco gauff also made personal history, with a first appearance in the last four at flushing meadows. she thrashed jelena 0stapenko 6—0, 6—2. new zealand secured a t20 series draw with a six wicket win over england at trent bridge.

england whiteball coach matthew mott says the door remains open for harry brook to force his way into squad for next month's world cup. bukayo saka has been named england men's player of the year for the second season running. the arsenal winger came top of the supporter vote, to retain the award he won last campaign. and beth mead will be part of arsenal's travelling squad for their women's champions league qualifier this afternoon. the lionesses forward missed the world cup after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury last november.

#3wru79 birmingham your coming up at ten... for viewers on bbc two and bbc news it's the latest national and international news. for listeners on radio 5 live, mps are back for the first prime minister's questions since the summer break. adrian chiles will bring you that from 12. and from 11 i'll be joined by three mps to answer your questions. with me will be matt warman for the conservatives, thangam debbonaire for labour and drew hendry from the snp. you can ask anything you like — whether it's on birmingham, sickness benefits, concrete in schools, get in touch now with your questions for mps.

that is coming up at ten. so bankrupt birmingham, your take, your text, so bankrupt birmingham, your take, yourtext, right so bankrupt birmingham, your take, your text, right here, so bankrupt birmingham, your take, yourtext, right here, can so bankrupt birmingham, your take, your text, right here, can someone explain how a £19 million computer system ends up costing 110 million? that is a fair question. that is from colin, in wolverhampton. so, maybe somebody can answer that question, if local politicians aren't up to it elect weather one, how many of the people who complain about elected official have bothered to put their heads above the parapet to put their heads above the parapet to change things or to have gone

along, to put their cross on that bit of paper, this one, last caller mentioned a vital word, projects, literally millions is stored and wasted in projects that don't touch business, as usual service, day—to—day services become the sediment, everyone's forgotten about, flashy projects, waste a fortune. well worth a panorama style probe. in stand still traffic or would i get on the line, is that from adele in lester. beautifully written and —— leicester, beautifully literal text there. which is all good. one more, i live in staffordshire i'm a brummie through and through and i fine it sad about the whole affair, did they not make thousands following the games in 2022? what has happened to that? it seems they have bad management, both now and in the past. that is from anne, thank you very much. and the watt lick, 2026.

—— word athletics, 2026, what is going to happen there, a race to find the money. chris in birmingham, cathy in south norwood. hello. jonathan carr—west coming up as well. jonathan carr—west coming up, chief executive of the think—tank lgru, a local government information unit. chris, being from birmingham you go first, what do you think born and bread brummie, _ you go first, what do you think bonn and bread brummie, very you go first, what do you think erin and bread brummie, very proud you go first, what do you think bonn and bread brummie, very proud of you go first, what do you think eon and bread brummie, very proud of the city, love it dearly. so and bread brummie, very proud of the city, love it dearly.— city, love it dearly. so you should be. wonderful, _ city, love it dearly. so you should be. wonderful, when _ city, love it dearly. so you should be. wonderful, when you - city, love it dearly. so you should be. wonderful, when you lock - city, love it dearly. so you should be. wonderful, when you lock at | city, love it dearly. so you should i be. wonderful, when you lock at the histo and be. wonderful, when you lock at the history and the _ be. wonderful, when you lock at the history and the famous _ be. wonderful, when you lock at the history and the famous people - be. wonderful, when you lock at the history and the famous people that i history and the famous people that have emerged from it. wonderful, wonderful place. i wouldn't have anybody put it down, very proud of it. yesterday news, well, what can you say? shocking doesn't come close, does it? i mean obviously there be an inquest, postmortem and if people don't fall or on their

sword people will disappear and new ones appointed. whatever happens it is about putting it right, isn't it, and, significantly, and, majorly. well, i mean, a budget that size, the biggest in europe i believe, for it to be the biggest in europe i believe, for it to he obviously clearly mismanaged, so spectacularly, is, is horrifying. but mismanaged, so spectacularly, is, is horri inc. �* ., horrifying. but the equal pay settlements, _ horrifying. but the equal pay settlements, which - horrifying. but the equal pay settlements, which have - horrifying. but the equal pay l settlements, which have been spiralling, those seeds were sown a long time ago, and that is at the heart of this, isn't it? it is long time ago, and that is at the heart of this, isn't it?— heart of this, isn't it? it is part of it, heart of this, isn't it? it is part of it. mine _ heart of this, isn't it? it is part of it. mine if— heart of this, isn't it? it is part of it, mine if we _ heart of this, isn't it? it is part of it, mine if we are _ heart of this, isn't it? it is part of it, mine if we are talking . heart of this, isn't it? it is part i of it, mine if we are talking equal pay are we talking sexual equality with men and women getting the same pay? is that what you are saying? yes, yes. pay? is that what you are saying? yes, es. ~ . ., pay? is that what you are saying? yes, es. ~ .., ., �*, pay? is that what you are saying? yes, es. ., �*, �*,

yes, yes. well, come on, it's, it's, it is inarguable, _ yes, yes. well, come on, it's, it's, it is inarguable, absolutely - yes, yes. well, come on, it's, it's, it is inarguable, absolutely no i yes, yes. well, come on, it's, it's, it is inarguable, absolutely no way| it is inarguable, absolutely no way it is inarguable, absolutely no way it can't happen. it is inarguable, absolutely no way it can't happen-— it is inarguable, absolutely no way it can't happen. should never have ha--ened it can't happen. should never have happened in _ it can't happen. should never have happened in the — it can't happen. should never have happened in the first _ it can't happen. should never have happened in the first place. - it can't happen. should never have happened in the first place. let i it can't happen. should never have happened in the first place. let us| happened in the first place. let us go gillian in birmingham, let me do it one time, gillian in birmingham. hello. ., , , , hello. good morning. yes, my husband and i workfor— hello. good morning. yes, my husband and i work for birmingham _ hello. good morning. yes, my husband and i work for birmingham city - and i work for birmingham city council. — and i work for birmingham city council, my husband done 40 years, i did about _ council, my husband done 40 years, i did about 25_ council, my husband done 40 years, i did about 25 years.— council, my husband done 40 years, i did about 25 years. ooh. and it was absolutel did about 25 years. om. and it was absolutely disgusting. you did about 25 years. (er�*u. and it was absolutely disgusting. you saw things. — absolutely disgusting. you saw things, heard things, but they didn't— things, heard things, but they didn't listen on to the staff. there was contracts given out, staff were removed _ was contracts given out, staff were removed from the jobs, then about 12 months _ removed from the jobs, then about 12 months later they realised it wasn't workind _ months later they realised it wasn't workinr. , , ., ,, months later they realised it wasn't working-_ and - months later they realised it wasn't working._ and had l months later they realised it wasn't l working._ and had to working. they stopped it. and had to restock with — working. they stopped it. and had to restock with the _ working. they stopped it. and had to restock with the staff. _ working. they stopped it. and had to restock with the staff. what - working. they stopped it. and had to restock with the staff. what was i working. they stopped it. and had to restock with the staff. what was it i restock with the staff. what was it like to work _ restock with the staff. what was it like to work there? _ restock with the staff. what was it like to work there? what - restock with the staff. what was it like to work there? what was i restock with the staff. what was it like to work there? what was it i restock with the staff. what was it | like to work there? what was it like to work there? _

like to work there? what was it like to work there? it _ like to work there? what was it like to work there? it was _ like to work there? what was it like to work there? it was brilliant i like to work there? what was it like to work there? it was brilliant to i to work there? it was brilliant to work— to work there? it was brilliant to work there, you made lots and lots of friends, — work there, you made lots and lots of friends, we had lots and lots of ups of friends, we had lots and lots of ups and _ of friends, we had lots and lots of ups and down, my husband was an electrician. — ups and down, my husband was an electrician, and he worked at hotiday— electrician, and he worked at holiday street which is where i met my husband and he was an electrician going _ my husband and he was an electrician going round _ my husband and he was an electrician going round doing all the lighting in and _ going round doing all the lighting in and outside the buildings, then he was _ in and outside the buildings, then he was transferred on to transport, where _ he was transferred on to transport, where he _ he was transferred on to transport, where he had to go round and do the traffic— where he had to go round and do the traffic signals. the signals, they were _ traffic signals. the signals, they were put— traffic signals. the signals, they were put on camera, and things like that _ were put on camera, and things like that he _ were put on camera, and things like that he had — were put on camera, and things like that. he had to retire because of ill health — that. he had to retire because of ill health. i've done 20 odd year, again— ill health. i've done 20 odd year, again working for city engineers but my last _ again working for city engineers but my last place of work was working for social — my last place of work was working for social services as at a daycentre for people with learning disabilities. ~ ., daycentre for people with learning disabilities. ~ . , ., ., disabilities. what is going to

ha - en disabilities. what is going to happen there? _ disabilities. what is going to happen there? they - disabilities. what is going to happen there? they closed i disabilities. what is going to | happen there? they closed it disabilities. what is going to - happen there? they closed it down. the sold happen there? they closed it down. they sold the _ happen there? they closed it down. they sold the land _ happen there? they closed it down. they sold the land and _ happen there? they closed it down. they sold the land and there - happen there? they closed it down. they sold the land and there a i happen there? they closed it down. they sold the land and there a load| they sold the land and there a load of house _ they sold the land and there a load of house on— they sold the land and there a load of house on there now, but the people — of house on there now, but the people that attended there, were from 18_ people that attended there, were from 18 up to 60, 65. but people that attended there, were from 18 up to so, 65.— people that attended there, were from 18 up to 60, 65. but you were there for a _ from 18 up to 60, 65. but you were there for a long — from 18 up to 60, 65. but you were there for a long time, _ from 18 up to 60, 65. but you were there for a long time, terrible, i from 18 up to 60, 65. but you were there for a long time, terrible, but | there for a long time, terrible, but you were there for a long time and there are councils of different political complexions so this wasn't. .. political complexions so this wasn't- - -_ political complexions so this wasn't... , ., ., wasn't. .. there is no control of birmingham — wasn't. .. there is no control of birmingham city _ wasn't. .. there is no control of birmingham city council, i wasn't. .. there is no control of birmingham city council, if i wasn't. .. there is no control of birmingham city council, if the wasn't. .. there is no control of- birmingham city council, if the big ones: _ birmingham city council, if the big ones. the — birmingham city council, if the big ones, the big chiefs they do what they think— ones, the big chiefs they do what they think is right, but they don't like i_ they think is right, but they don't like i have — they think is right, but they don't like i have always said, there was too many— like i have always said, there was too many chiefs, not never indian, they didn't — too many chiefs, not never indian, they didn't listen to their staff. -- not— they didn't listen to their staff. —— not enough indians, there so much interdots _ —— not enough indians, there so much interdots dots — —— not enough indians, there so much interdots dots you know, they have -ot interdots dots you know, they have got friends, and things like that. yeah. _ got friends, and things like that. yeah. 0k. — got friends, and things like that. yeah. 0k. i_ got friends, and things like that. yeah, ok, i know where you are coming from, i know where you are getting at. let us bring in

something else from the city. cathy, i will be with you in south norwood but kynton swingle. thank you for getting in touch, you are worried about this and thank you for everything you do. it is amazing your work, everything you do. it is amazing yourwork, how everything you do. it is amazing your work, how will this impact you? i think that some of the points already today have been valid but i think there has been missed a lot, if it will be the local residents that will miss out. we have seen since 2010 roughly 34% spending cuts, in birmingham local government which that is about a billion pounds, that is affected more than anything young people, families, it is affecting vulnerable people in the community and we are are feeling the community and we are are feeling the effects of that and i think that is the bit think we are getting away from, we are talking rightly so about equal pay, it system that fail because they are issues now, 18

months' time. two years' time will be the people that were affected in 2012, 2013 when authority hit hard and it's the residents. hope 2012, 2013 when authority hit hard and it's the residents.— and it's the residents. how do we aet and it's the residents. how do we get here? — and it's the residents. how do we get here? i _ and it's the residents. how do we get here? i think— and it's the residents. how do we get here? i think it— and it's the residents. how do we get here? i think it feels - and it's the residents. how do we get here? i think it feels like i get here? i think it feels like organisations _ get here? i think it feels like organisations like _ get here? i think it feels like organisations like ourself, i get here? i think it feels like | organisations like ourself, we get here? i think it feels like i organisations like ourself, we are in that cycle we were in 13 years ago, when austerity cuts hit originally, it is not, there has been a lot of talk round the politics of day, and who is at fault for it. think it is a whole plethora of things that have taken place across birmingham, notjust the spending deficits at the moment, we have seen that in 201060 youth centres the and projects across birmingham, there is now 16 counter —— councilfund programmes, the rest are picked up by other organisations if they can stay afloat. we have seen dozens of warm spaces across

the winter to deal with the cost of living crisis which was picked up by libraries, where is the funding going to support those organisation, we have be going to support those organisation, we have he been doing it off our own back, that is not sustainable in the long run. there is much cleverer people and wise people whoa can answer where we are going. we have got to really look at what the future looks like in the next six, nine, 12 months or so and how we can support our communities. what nine, 12 months or so and how we can support our communities.— support our communities. what does it look like? — support our communities. what does it look like? that _ support our communities. what does it look like? that is _ support our communities. what does it look like? that is the _ support our communities. what does it look like? that is the million i it look like? that is the million dollar question _ it look like? that is the million dollar question or _ it look like? that is the million dollar question or the - it look like? that is the million dollar question or the billion i dollar question or the billion dollar question or the billion dollar question or the billion dollar question if you are the council. in reality it will come down to how much more strain is going to be put on third sector organisation, are some of those services that with have been picking up services that with have been picking up for the last 13 or so years or so, are they going to be subsidised, will they be things we have fund—raise ourselves? we are feeling the pinch as much as residents are

in terms of the cost of living. our bills go up. we have challenges because it's a challenging funding environment. the last thing we want to do is put those costs back on to local residents that need our support. we are talking about people who have been accesses us this week to get free school uniform, food hampers to get free childcare across the summer holiday, these are services that somewhere they have to be funded, because otherwise we will create another generation that are going to be growing up facing extreme poverty, they will face extreme poverty, they will face extreme challenges in terms of moving into adult workforce, create another generation where they are left behind, i think pat spoke about it earlier, about lunch clubs and all sorts of other amazing things that take place across birmingham, a lot of them, fund—raise themselves, a are run by volunteers but a lot will receive small pots of funding

or receive support from the council, think what we want to see is some reassurances that that is still going to be in place to some extent. yeah, seen as nonessential service, absolutely. let us stick with birmingham, stick it to birmingham, stick with birmingham. diane in birmingham, ian in birmingham, people of birmingham. you have nothing to lose except your council. diane, what do you think? hiya nic , diane, what do you think? hiya nicky. nice _ diane, what do you think? hiya nicky. nice to _ diane, what do you think? hiya nicky, nice to talk— diane, what do you think? hiya nicky, nice to talk to _ diane, what do you think? h — nicky, nice to talk to you. diane, what do you think? hiya nicky, nice to talk to you. you | diane, what do you think? hiya i nicky, nice to talk to you. you too? how did this — nicky, nice to talk to you. you too? how did this mess _ nicky, nice to talk to you. you too? how did this mess start? _ nicky, nice to talk to you. you too? how did this mess start? because l nicky, nice to talk to you. you too? | how did this mess start? because it started with you know, this problem with equal pay for women, that goes back, you know, it is notjust recently it goes back and back, why was this allowed to happen? we have got rules about equal pay for women. why of all councils was birmingham allowed to do this? i received social care, i have a heart problem at the moment, nicky and i'm

awaiting treatment from the hospital that has ban cancelled and cancelled is, but hopefully it will come soon, but i have a carer. and i am concerned is about the social care, i know they say it won't be upped the we we don't know that, they often say it won't be touched and it is. i am concerned about the services for birmingham, you know, there is over one million people in birmingham, that rely on care for many, many things, and, you know, services, and children in school, for instance the special needs children, and so on. so, i am concerned that all this is going to have an impact on people of birmingham. and ijust can't understand how this was allowed to happen, in the first place and allowed to just happen, in the first place and allowed tojust go happen, in the first place and allowed to just go on and on for so long. and not, nothing was done. yeah, and look what is happening now, absolutely. if you were in a room with the council, what would

you say if you were in the chamber? if i were in the chamber i would say to the council, what the hell have you been doing, because you have got into such a mess with this equal pay, into such a mess with this equal pay. why into such a mess with this equal pay, why did it happen in the beginning, how did it come about, why did you not give equal pay the people, 0 how have you got into the mess you have got into, what happens to us all now?— to us all now? good questions jonathan carr-west. _ to us all now? good questions jonathan carr-west. what i to us all now? good questions jonathan carr-west. what are | to us all now? good questions i jonathan carr-west. what are the jonathan carr—west. what are the answers to those brilliantly put questions by diane, jonathan? thea;r questions by diane, jonathan? they are ureat questions by diane, jonathan? they are great questions, _ questions by diane, jonathan? the: are great questions, and questions by diane, jonathan? tt;e:1 are great questions, and diane questions by diane, jonathan? t“t91 are great questions, and diane is right, they need to be looked at. the equal pay claim, £760 million liability which is the proximate cause, the immediate cause dates back over a decade. it came to the high court back in 2012, so this has

been going on for year, so there are legitimate questions as diane says, about decision making in birmingham, about decision making in birmingham, about governance, you know, how those decisions were made, who was scrutinising that, how wasn't it picked up, why hasn't provision been made for it, all of those legitimate questions but we need to pick up the questions but we need to pick up the questions that the previous caller made about long—term austerity and local government and how it has left councils without the headroom, to weather the storms, in any big organisation we can find decisions we should have made differently, things that could have within done better but the fact is birmingham is not the first council to issue a section 11a we have seen half a dozenen and it won't be the last, research has shown up to 25 councils could be in this position over the next couple of year, there is is a bigger question about how we are founding local service, you bigger question about how we are founding local service,— founding local service, you take our founding local service, you take your funds _ founding local service, you take your funds and _ founding local service, you take your funds and you _ founding local service, you take your funds and you have - founding local service, you take your funds and you have to i founding local service, you take your funds and you have to deali

founding local service, you take i your funds and you have to deal with it, and you are elected to do that and you are expected to do it with competence and good sense, and, it resonates, what what rishi sunak ises are ate —— resonating resonates with our viewer, financial mismanagement. you have to cut your cloth, :, ::. mismanagement. you have to cut your cloth, :, :, , ., ., cloth, you can only do that if you know what _ cloth, you can only do that if you know what your _ cloth, you can only do that if you know what your cloth _ cloth, you can only do that if you know what your cloth is - cloth, you can only do that if you know what your cloth is and i cloth, you can only do that if you know what your cloth is and one | cloth, you can only do that if you | know what your cloth is and one of of the channel, we have talked about the reduction in funding with local government, a0% reduction from central government funding, down to about a third, all of that went on what was seen as nonessential services that were cut. council chief executives used to tell me we know we are cutting things that will bite us in ten years' time but we have to because they are the only things we can take out. those chickens are coming home to roost. what we are seeing is the change in the nature of funding so instead of being funded through central government grants councils are more

reliant on local income, on council tax, retained business rates on charging on commercial investment, and on you know, funding, this competitive process where they have to bid in, and we have had a series of one year settlements, so yes, councils need to cut their cloth to fit their mean but if you continue know what your income is going to be, more than a year out, it is very difficult to do that. —— if you don't know. strategic plans becomings almost impossible. tan don't know. strategic plans becomings almost impossible. ian in birmingham. — becomings almost impossible. ian in birmingham, tina _ becomings almost impossible. ian in birmingham, tina in _ becomings almost impossible. ian in birmingham, tina in birmingham. hi mean ian, what is your point. 1 mean ian, what is your point. i think this council is just mismanaged. they are wasting money, the waste of mourne they spend on this city, it is unbelievable. you don't need six blokes to change one slab, do you. and everywhere you go you see misuse of funds everywhere.

everywhere.s nobody is looking into it. manageing it. so everywhere.s nobody is looking into it. manageing it.— it. manageing it. so you think desite it. manageing it. so you think despite the — it. manageing it. so you think despite the problems - it. manageing it. so you think despite the problems rishi i it. manageing it. so you think- despite the problems rishi sunak is right, this is a case of financial mismanagement. yes right, this is a case of financial mismanagement.— right, this is a case of financial mismanagement. yes i think it is. i think it absolutely _ mismanagement. yes i think it is. i think it absolutely is _ mismanagement. yes i think it is. i think it absolutely is and _ mismanagement. yes i think it is. i think it absolutely is and there i mismanagement. yes i think it is. i think it absolutely is and there is i think it absolutely is and there is jobs for boys out there, isn't there. if you know what i mean. taste there. if you know what i mean. we had a previous reference to some of these people have friends. i think was a suggestion there, but i am not saying anything. thea;r was a suggestion there, but i am not saying anything-— saying anything. they gave the contract to _ saying anything. they gave the contract to a _ saying anything. they gave the contract to a company - saying anything. they gave the contract to a company to i saying anything. they gave the contract to a company to look. saying anything. they gave the - contract to a company to look after the roads, and general maintenance and they gave them in a 25 year contract. who does that? 25 years! i contract. who does that? 25 years! i am feeling the breath on the back of my learned friends. yeah, 0k, we hear you. tyne in in birmingham. good morning tina. necessarily cautious. what a situation. i know, it is shocking. _

cautious. what a situation. i know, it is shocking, it _ cautious. what a situation. i know, it is shocking, it really _ cautious. what a situation. i know, it is shocking, it really is, - cautious. what a situation. i know, it is shocking, it really is, i - cautious. what a situation. i know, it is shocking, it really is, i mean l it is shocking, it really is, i mean when _ it is shocking, it really is, i mean when i _ it is shocking, it really is, i mean when i saw— it is shocking, it really is, i mean when i saw the news, yesterday, it was a _ when i saw the news, yesterday, it was a case — when i saw the news, yesterday, it was a case of how has this happened? you know. _ was a case of how has this happened? you know. it _ was a case of how has this happened? you know, it raises so many questions _ you know, it raises so many questions and i think for a lot of families— questions and i think for a lot of families it — questions and i think for a lot of families it is a case of what does this mean. — families it is a case of what does this mean, are the prices going to id this mean, are the prices going to go up _ this mean, are the prices going to go up for— this mean, are the prices going to go up for us, _ this mean, are the prices going to go up for us, the council tax and what _ go up for us, the council tax and what are — go up for us, the council tax and what are we _ go up for us, the council tax and what are we going to be left with? what _ what are we going to be left with? what about the families who are already— what about the families who are already struggling, where do we go from here? let already struggling, where do we go from here? ., , ., already struggling, where do we go from here? ., ., already struggling, where do we go from here? ., i. ., ., , from here? let me ask you one of my favourite questions _ from here? let me ask you one of my favourite questions a _ from here? let me ask you one of my favourite questions a as _ from here? let me ask you one of my favourite questions a as journalist, i favourite questions a as journalist, whose fault is it? i favourite questions a as 'ournalist, whose fault is not whose fault is it? i don't know. i would say. _ whose fault is it? i don't know. i would say. it's — whose fault is it? i don't know. i would say, it's a _ whose fault is it? i don't know. i l would say, it's a mismanagement whose fault is it? i don't know. i - would say, it's a mismanagement of funds. i don't think they know what they are doing, so, it's, i don't know whether, where the blame lies because obviously we can't see what

the funding is, and where they are spending it, whoever is in charge of it, clearly doesn't know what they are doing, it'sjust it, clearly doesn't know what they are doing, it's just shocking, it, clearly doesn't know what they are doing, it'sjust shocking, it really is. are doing, it's 'ust shocking, it reall is. ., , �* ., really is. not 'ust birmingham, cath in really is. notjust birmingham, cathy in south _ really is. notjust birmingham, cathy in south norwood, - really is. notjust birmingham, cathy in south norwood, whatl cathy in south norwood, what happened in croydon? morning nickish thank ou happened in croydon? morning nickish thank you for— happened in croydon? morning nickish thank you for taking _ happened in croydon? morning nickish thank you for taking my _ happened in croydon? morning nickish thank you for taking my call. - thank you for taking my call. croydon has been in the situation three times, how has that been let to happen? and it is always people on the coalface, to happen? and it is always people on the coal face, my parents, both disabled. we have referred to adult social care, i don't know how many times you ring up, you are on a waiting list, every day they struggle. my mum doesn't leave the room, doesn't leave her chair, my dad is disabled and is looking after her and it is carers and disabled and vulnerable people, that are susceptible, and then their council

tax has been raised 15%, and so they are a double whammy they need the care, they need the support and they are paying for it. you know, and they are pensioner, you know, not well—off at all. and so, us as family have to step in and we know about carers and unpaid carers but family and sort of stepping in, and trying to do that work under pressure, that that puts on them, and that cumulative and you think how has this been allowed to happen three times? where is the accountability, and how have they got in this situation? [30 accountability, and how have they got in this situation?— accountability, and how have they got in this situation? do you know what... i got in this situation? do you know what- -- i am _ got in this situation? do you know what... i am looking _ got in this situation? do you know what... i am looking at _ got in this situation? do you know what... i am looking at the - got in this situation? do you know what... i am looking at the clock. what... i am looking at the clock coming to the end. i am glad we managed to speak to you to say this is notjust in birmingham, because you, you again encapsulate the whole thing with one brilliant phrase, how was this allowed to happen? diane,

are you still with us? i am was this allowed to happen? diane, are you still with us?— are you still with us? i am my love, es. that are you still with us? i am my love, yes- that is — are you still with us? i am my love, yes. that is the _ are you still with us? i am my love, yes. that is the whole _ are you still with us? i am my love, yes. that is the whole thing, - are you still with us? i am my love, yes. that is the whole thing, how i are you still with us? i am my love, j yes. that is the whole thing, how is this allowed — yes. that is the whole thing, how is this allowed to happen. you yes. that is the whole thing, how is this allowed to happen.— this allowed to happen. you are so passionate — this allowed to happen. you are so passionate about _ this allowed to happen. you are so passionate about this, _ this allowed to happen. you are so passionate about this, and - this allowed to happen. you are so passionate about this, and you - this allowed to happen. you are so. passionate about this, and you have expressed it with such power, can i invite do you talk to our mps about it, after 10.00. invite do you talk to our mps about it. after10-00-_ it, after10.00. yes, iwill try to ifi it, after10.00. yes, iwill try to if! can, because _ it, after10.00. yes, iwill try to if! can, because i _ it, after10.00. yes, iwill try to if i can, because i have - it, after10.00. yes, iwill try to if i can, because i have to - it, after10.00. yes, iwill try to if i can, because i have to take i if i can, because i have to take medication, but, iwilltry if i can, because i have to take medication, but, i will try to, if i can, because i have to take medication, but, iwilltry to, but, ijust— medication, but, iwilltry to, but, liust wanted — medication, but, iwilltry to, but, ijust wanted to say, yes, nicky i i mean _ ijust wanted to say, yes, nicky i i mean the — ijust wanted to say, yes, nicky i i mean the whole point is you can apportion — mean the whole point is you can apportion blame one place or another~ _ apportion blame one place or another. it was allowed to happen. they must— another. it was allowed to happen. they must have known, if it goes llack— they must have known, if it goes back to _ they must have known, if it goes back to 2012, with that issue of the equal— back to 2012, with that issue of the equal pay. — back to 2012, with that issue of the equal pay, they must have known and why has— equal pay, they must have known and why has it _ equal pay, they must have known and why has it taken them so long to address— why has it taken them so long to address that issue, and now they are in this— address that issue, and now they are in this mess — address that issue, and now they are in this mess-— in this mess. that is what we 'ust heard. how fl in this mess. that is what we 'ust heard. how was i in this mess. that is what we 'ust heard. how was this i in this mess. that is what we 'ust heard. how was this allowed h in this mess. that is what we just heard. how was this allowed to i heard. how was this allowed to happen? that is what we heard from the voice of croydon. sorry, cathy

in south norwood. thanks to cathy. i will get one of the production team to have a wee word with you and if you feel up to it, if you feel you have the time, i will speak to you after 10.00 and you can speak to one of our mps so we will take it from the council chamber to the houses of parliament a it is your call but it has been great having you on this morning, whatever, die arranges and, maybe speak to you soon, maybe speak to you in the days and weeks to come, whefrn. thanks for coming on diane. ., ., ., ., diane. thanks for having me, thanks for hearina diane. thanks for having me, thanks for hearing me. _ diane. thanks for having me, thanks for hearing me, thank _ diane. thanks for having me, thanks for hearing me, thank you. - diane. thanks for having me, thanks for hearing me, thank you. that - diane. thanks for having me, thanks for hearing me, thank you. that is i for hearing me, thank you. that is what we are _ for hearing me, thank you. that is what we are here _ for hearing me, thank you. that is what we are here for. _ for hearing me, thank you. that is what we are here for. thank- for hearing me, thank you. that is what we are here for. thank you. | what we are here for. thank you. viewers on bbc news and bbc two leave us now.

live from london, this is bbc news. the us secretary of state antony blinken arrives in kyiv for meetings with ukrainian leaders. teaching unions in the uk accuse ministers of "calculated neglect" — after bbc analysis found thirteen schools in england with raac concrete issues had their rebuilding plans scrapped in 2010. the former leader of the far—right proud boys group is sentenced to 22 years injailfor his role in the us capitol riots. new details reveal how part of the uk's air traffic control system shut itself down last week — with hundreds of flights cancelled as a result

hello, and a very warm welcome to our viewers in the uk and around the world. some breaking news now — the us secretary of state, antony blinken, has arrived in kyiv on an unannounced vist. this is his convoy, driving into the us embassy a few hours ago. a senior american official has said they expect him to announce more than a billion dollars in new us funding for ukraine during the visit. he's also expected to hold a news conference later with president zelensky. we'll bring you that as soon as it comes into us here on bbc news. live now to kyiv and our diplomatic correspondent paul adams. we are expecting a very big announcement, what more do we know? is not that big, to be honest. bear

in mind the us has already committed