By james art The Local Government Minister has praised the progress made by Birmingham City Council in publishing the first report from the intervention team.
Jim McMahon said in a written ministerial statement today that “significant challenges” remain for Birmingham City Council, which has been under the intervention of the Max Caller-led government since last year.
Mr McMahon said commissioners had been “fundamental” to progress and said leader John Cotton (Lab) was committed to “solving the challenges facing the city”.
However, he said he was considering changing the model so that it was “based on a more equal partnership with the council”.
The commissioners’ report, dated April 2024, highlighted that the council “lacks the capacity and ability to take the necessary steps to address its problems without external support”.
The government has asked commissioners to submit a “further assessment” to Birmingham in January.
Mr McMahon urged the council to work more closely with West Midlands CA and others.
Mr McMahon added that the reform of the model would be applied across the wider sector. He said: “I am exploring options to reset and reform the system to provide a more supportive approach to governance for local councils, establishing local government partnerships built on mutual respect, genuine collaboration and meaningful engagement.”
Cllr Cotton said: “There is much more to do in our ongoing efforts to ensure we become a financially sustainable, well-run council that delivers good services.”
He warned that the city “faces a new very difficult budget.”
“It remains clear that the speed of change needs to increase further as further savings are identified and we transform services. Our new managing director, Joanne Rowney, is focused on this challenge and will not back down as we work together to get the council back on track.”