Tag: Erdington

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FEATURE: “Libraries are so much more than just books,” Erdington rallies to support libraries across the constituency

Words by Ed King / Pics provided by Cllr Welch and Erdington Walking Group – with extra taken from archives

On 27 September, the final consultation period for the future of Birmingham libraries will come to an end – before Birmingham City Council finalise their plans for the future of the city’s Library Service.

Across the Erdington constituency there are four libraries, providing valuable resources for local residents and school children in and around Castle Vale, Kingstanding, Perry Common, and Erdington Town Centre.

But after the end of September the fate of these centres for learning and community will be in the hands of the Council financiers – as city officers look to save £2,300,000 from the library budget.

Erdington Local talked to those who have been championing the need to support our libraries and takes a look at what the future could hold after the Council’s consultation campaign draws to a close.

“Libraries are so much more than just books,” declares Kingstanding Councillor Clifton Welch. “They are at the centre of any local community. We must do everything possible to keep Kingstanding Library open.”

It’s a familiar battle cry, as local campaigners and politicians alike have been championing the need for libraries in their communities across the city – following the announcement by Birmingham City Council (BCC) that a citywide public consultation would be held to “help shape the future of the library service for Birmingham.”

“Help shape” might sound cordial, but the reality is the Council need to save £2,300,300 from the city’s library budget – which currently supports 35 community libraries, a mobile library, a home library service, and the Library of Birmingham. And when the biggest spend is on community library staff, amounting to £4,100,000 – nearly double the Council’s savings target – people’s work lives are literally on the line.

Local Authorities across the UK are bound by law “to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service for all persons” under their governorship, as per the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.

But Birmingham City Council is broke, after haemorrhaging undisclosed millions on a defunct IT system (the official count is at £139m but many sources feel it could be considerably higher) and being found legally liable for more hundreds of millions in Equal Pay Liabilities across its significant workforce.

And whilst books don’t cost megabucks, people who work for you do – and the buildings you keep both of them in could be worth a few bob if they happened to become apartments.

So, in April 2024, a financially bludgeoned Birmingham City Council launched a public consultation and explored ways to cut costs to the library service of nearly two and half million. Proposals included permanently closing libraries, partnering with local stakeholders to run them, and turning them into Library Community Hubs providing other community services.

There is also the option to relocate the existing library and end up with an empty building or two, which is never a bad thing when you’re trying to sell off assets and realise Council equity. But as with the 21% rise in Council Tax, many felt the people who live in the city were once again set to suffer whilst they cleaned up the mess of the people who run the city. And sufficed to say, it made them angry.

“One of my campaign promises was to take the fight to save Kingstanding Library to the very heart of the Council chamber,” continues Cllr Clifton Welch. “In my maiden speech I was proud to formally second a Conservative motion to save libraries across Birmingham.”

He continues: “Since being elected, it has come as a shock every month to see Labour councillors in the chamber bring forward petitions from their residents campaigning to keep open their local libraries, and yet every single Labour councillor has voted to support the closure of libraries across Birmingham at every opportunity they have been given in the Council chamber.”

Erdington Local has not been able to verify these claims, but the rush by councillors across the city to be seen on social media championing their local libraries did become somewhat comical. All of a sudden, as the clarion call reached fever pitch, councillor’s social media threads were full of selfies with a pensioner or a school child holding a book. And if you didn’t have a library in your own political ward, then borrow one from a colleague.

However, there are those with more longstanding political skin in the library game. Oscott’s Cllr Barbara Dring (Labour), who has been the ward’s elected official since 2004, has been vocal about importance of Kingstanding Library for many years.

During the last Birmingham City Council consultation on its Library Service, which finished in January 2017, Cllr Dring helped generate funds and secure its future through a partnership with Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) – who were looking to deliver services from both Perry Common and Kingstanding Libraries.

Speaking at the Kingstanding Library relaunch event in 2017, Cllr Dring tells: “I’m absolutely delighted to have led on this project for Kingstanding Library, the money put into it has regenerated this library and also Perry Common Library.”

She adds: “The library is at the heart of the community and by doing what we’re doing we have put other services into the library which has enabled us to keep this library alive.”

As part of BCC’s current consultation, “opportunities to work with partners” are being explored as part of Library Services’ ongoing delivery strategy. There are also proposals for 10 Community Library Hubs – one in each constituency – which will provide a range of services from money advice and food pantries, to digital inclusion support and computer access.

Plus, the involvement of external organisations could alleviate the staff costs currently incurred by BCC. This may mean redundancies or loss of working hours for those currently on the Council’s payroll, but BCC promise the Community Library Hubs “could be open on a full-time basis (35 hours per week)”.

WLCA have come to the Council’s bricks and mortar rescue on a few occasions, from their renovation of the crumbling Gatekeeper’s Cottage at Witton Lakes into a well-used Eco Hub, to the recent project to turn the old swimming baths on Erdington High Street into an Enterprise Hub.

And their involvement in Kingstanding Library and Perry Common Library, alongside that of Spitfire Services with Castle Vale Library, have arguably saved three out of four of the constituency’s libraries.

As WLCA Chief Officer, Afzal Hussain, tells Erdington Local: “Our local libraries are an essential part of the social fabric of our community, offering a lifeline for people to connect, learn and access vital support services.”

He adds: “WLCA is committed to maintaining our collaboration with local libraries to secure their long-term viability for future generations.”

But the beating heart of community often comes from the people marching the ground. And, in Erdington at least, none are more committed to both than Erdington Walking Group (EWG) founder Selina Gooden, who recently organised a round trip walk from Erdington Library to Perry Common Library to encourage people to take part in the Council consultation and to champion the importance of libraries to the community.

The walk was also to celebrate 90 years since the opening of Perry Common Library and organised for the day of the anniversary.

Alongside her passion for health and social inclusion, Selina is also a songwriter and poet, which (mirroring the sentiments of Jack Reacher novelist Lee Childs) came from her salad days devouring poetry.

“Where did I go to find such poetry books…?” tells Selina. “The library. As a child I had no idea what would become of my love for poetry, how it would help me create so many songs and poems – all thanks to the library.”

She adds: “Libraries are incredibly important, because not only do they provide resources and services for literacy and education, but they also help us to expand our network – which goes a long way where connectedness is concerned.”

The EWG walk between the two libraries gained a lot of local attention and support, with Selina recounting “a real sense of unity and pride” between those involved – even picking up some library staff members along the way, who joined the EWG in solidarity.

But the opportunity to “help shape” the future of Birmingham’s Library Services is still on the table, through the face to face consultation sessions or the Council’s own online questionnaire.

“All our libraries are faced with a challenging financial situation and are now required to make considerable budget savings… which will affect all who live, work and/or study in Birmingham.

“Now you have the chance to shape a better Library Service that will benefit you and people across our city for years to come,” adds Selina.

“The consultation outcomes will help inform decisions taken by the Council after it has ended. Please don’t let this opportunity pass you by, have your say before it’s too late.”

The last face to face library consultation in Erdington will be at Perry Common Library on 23 September. Birmingham City Council’s questionnaire will be online until 27 September at: www.birminghambeheard.org.uk

(Ed’s note – this feature was first published in the Erdington Local printed edition dated September/October ’24.

The original feature references Witton Lodge Community Association/WLCA as being involved in the “the running of Kingstanding Library” – whereas WLCA were in fact delivering services from the library, after a partnership with Birmingham City Council Libraries Team in 2017.

Erdington Local issues a full apology for any misrepresentation in the original feature. For further information and to see the source material used, please click here. )

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words and pics supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

As a result of the parliamentary boundary review and subsequent general election, South Oscott is now part of the Erdington constituency. So, I was delighted to host a meeting with local residents to hear their priorities and concerns.

It was wonderful to meet so many residents who shared their experiences and told me about the improvements they would like to see. I am determined to engage, listen and champion every corner of our community.

Elsewhere in the constituency, I am leading a campaign to stop another HMO in Kingstanding. After hearing the concerns of local residents, I have organised a petition that has collected hundreds of signatures.

I plan to submit a formal objection to the planning committee and encourage local residents to do the same, emphasising issues such as overcrowding, noise, parking problems, and the potential negative impact on the character of the neighbourhood.

I recently attended the Erdington and Kingstanding libraries consultation carried out by Birmingham City Council. At the meetings, I made it clear that I wholeheartedly support keeping our local libraries open, as I believe closing them would have a negative impact on our community.

I also want to place on record my gratitude to local organisations, such as the Erdington Lunar Society and Friends of Erdington Library, for their tireless campaigning on this crucial issue.

Their dedication is inspiring, and I am proud to stand alongside these dedicated groups in their fight to preserve these important community resources.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

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NEWS: Birmingham City Council “investigating” after man dies trapped under forklift at yard on Station Road

Words by Ed King / Pics from Google Maps

Birmingham City Council (BCC) are “investigating” after a man tragically died at a yard on Station Road in the morning of Tuesday 17 September.

Reports from the scene state the man, believed to be in his 50s, was crushed to death underneath a forklift truck.

A statement from West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed: “We were called to an industrial incident on Station Road at 10.11am [17 Sept], two ambulances and a paramedic officer attended the scene.

“On arrival we discovered one patient, a man. Sadly, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police added: “We were called to reports of a man trapped under a forklift truck at a premises on Station Road, Erdington at around 10.14am this morning (17 Sept).

“A man believed to be his 50s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“Enquiries to establish exactly what happened are ongoing and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.”

Following initial media reports, it was claimed the yard – on the corner of Station Road and Summer Road – was regulated by Birmingham City Council (BCC) and any assessment of the site should come from Council officers.

After West Midlands Police referred the tragic incident to BCC, Erdington Local reached out to the Council for confirmation.

A spokesperson from BCC told: “West Midlands Police have informed us about the incident.

“Health and safety inspectors from the council’s environmental health team are on site and are investigating.”

Erdington Local has requested any updates from Birmingham City Council as the investigation continues.

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NEWS: Erdington emergency services left with “major gaps” in radio coverage if new mast is not approved

Words Erdington Local Editorial Team

Emergency services across Erdington and the surrounding areas could be left with “major gaps” in their mobile communications and radio coverage if plans for a new mast are not approved.

Airwave Solutions Ltd, which operates mobile communications networks for emergency services across the UK, currently has a mast on Edgemond Avenue, Pype Hayes.

However, following a Notice To Quit (NTQ) order the vital communications tower is being taken down by November 2024 to allow the landowner to proceed with plans for a residential development.

The potential loss of mobile and radio coverage for the emergency services on the front line has forced Airwave to submit an application to build a replacement mast at the Erdington Industrial Estate, Chester Road.

In supporting documents, the blue light services communications provider warns that not replacing the mast will put all emergency services at risk – with radio and mobile communication only possible from “a mixture” of sources “dependent upon precise location of officers, of vehicular sets and walkie talkies at street level.”

The organisation, who were bought out by Motorola in February 2016, further warn that without adequate communications infrastructure, radios used by the police, fire, and ambulance services would have “no penetration inside any buildings whatsoever.”

Airwave Solutions continued: “…officers in some areas would only have been able to communicate with each other when using car / fire engine / ambulance vehicle communication sets and no hand held calls will be able to made by officers who are either on the street or inside buildings, whilst in other areas some hand held walkie talkie units will be able to be used but only by officers on the street.”

They added: “The ramifications for public safety and national security if the site is not replaced will be extreme particularly at this precise moment in time of social unrest and rioting – potentially the police would have had no communications between officers and control rooms/commanders, leaving the residents of these areas and essential businesses in the districts unnecessarily more exposed to crime.

“Potentially the fire service would have been similarly exposed to no communications between fire fighters and unable to coordinate a response to any fire in this area; and this would have been no different for the ambulance service and would have been a severe risk to human life in and around the aforementioned town centre and surrounding districts.”

The planning application for the new blue light emergency services communication mast was submitted to Birmingham City Council in August and registered with the Planning Committee in the first week of September.

The application was made for a ‘replacement 24m high telecommunications mast with associated 3no. antennas, 2no. dishes, equipment cabinets and ancillary development works’, with any challenges or comments to be to the Planning Committee made by 3 October.

However, similar applications across the country have been held up by concerns from local residents, businesses, which lead to planning committee refusals or the application being eventually denied by the Planning Inspectorate.

Local elected officials listed as ‘consultees’ on the application are Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton (Labour), Cllr Basharat Mahmood (Pype Hayes Ward, Labour), and Birmingham Conservatives Leader Cllr Robert Alden (Erdington Ward, Conservatives).

To view the application online, click here to visit Birmingham City Council’s planning application portal and search using the reference: 2024/05239/PA.

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NEWS: End of Summer free family event at Spring Lane Playing Fields on 15 September

Words by Ed King / Pics supplied by People for People CIC

People for People CIC are inviting families from across Erdington to join them for a free End of Summer Event at Spring Lane Playing Fields on Sunday 15 September – centred around the Erdington Rugby Club facilities.

Running from 2pm, the day out will be free to attend with family fun activities including a bouncy castle, face painting, temporary ‘tattoos’ for children, a children’s entertainer, and a variety of sporting events.

There will also be stalls selling food and drinks, including barbequed sausages and candy floss.

The End of Summer Event will also give people a chance to test their football skills against the Polish Builders, a special home team made up of tradespeople from different towns – alongside a special children’s Vs parent’s football match for those attending the event.

Both are free to enter with people asked to simply sign up on the day.

(Although if you’re an over eager parent looking to be picked up as the next Lionel Messi, the children’s football game will be refereed by local mums… so be warned, their side might win.)

Following on from a successful first event last year, promoted as a Polish Heritage Day and Spring Volleyball Tournament, the Community Interest Company are hoping to bring the community back together for an afternoon of family fun and entertainment for all ages.

There will also be another volleyball tournament held at this year’s End of Summer Event, with mixed teams including a minimum of two female players invited to enter for a joining fee.

Volleyball is fast paced and a fun way to get healthy, as well as being a popular sport across Eastern Europe – with prizes awarded to the best three teams and four individuals that take part on the day, donated by Erdington’s Central and Eastern European community,

Established as a CIC in February 2022, People for People are a locally based community group driven by a passion for bringing people together through community events, as well as offering advice and support to those in need.

Run by members of the local Central and Eastern European community, People for People work to “connect people, encourage mutual support, and create a sense of belonging.”

The group recently held a special drop-in advice session at Six Ways Baptist Church giving support and guidance to private tenants across Erdington, as the new Renters’ Rights Bill was introduced to Parliament.

Ahead of the End of Summer Event, Magdalena Breitkopf from People for People told Erdington Local: “We want to bring the community together for a day of family fun alongside a volleyball tournament – it’s a very popular sport in Eastern Europe, much more so than in the UK.

“But although we will keep score and compete for (very symbolic) prizes, the point of the day is fun.”

She added: “Our small organisation does a lot of different projects at the moment – we provide housing and welfare advice, teach basic IT and English.

“But we started it all out of our passion for organising community events because it’s our favourite thing to do!”

People for People will be hosting the free to attend End of Summer Event at Spring Lane Playing Fields on Sunday 15 September, running from 2pm – to visit the event’s Facebook page click here.

For more on People for People CIC visit www.peopleforpeoplecic.org

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NEWS: Erdington man convicted of Wallis Webb murder following four week trial at Birmingham Crown Court

Words by Ed King

An Erdington man has been convicted of the murder of Wallis Webb, after a four week trial found him guilty of the crime on Thursday 12 September.

Mr Webb was discovered dead at his home on Baldmoor Lake Road on 6 February this year, after emergency services were contact by the victims brother who was living overseas and had not heard form their sibling in five days.

After forcing entry to Mr Wallis’s home address, police found the deceased with multiple stab wounds and began a murder investigation.

Sakander Hussain, of Knights Close, Erdington, appeared at Birmingham Crown Court earlier today where a jury of his peers found him guilty of both the murder of Wallis Webb and fraud by false representation – after the victim’s bank cards were used to rack up over £400 of purchases after he was dead.

Hussain, who pleaded guilty to false representation but denied murdering Mr Webb, will be sentenced at a later date – with the Crown Prosecution Service sentencing guidelines outlining he could be facing up to 24 years behind bars.

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police told: “Following CCTV enquiries and searches into the records of Wallis [Webb], investigators found that he had picked an individual up just before midnight on 30 January, and that individual was seen leaving his property just before 4am, hours later.

“Later that morning and for multiple days following, Wallis’s bank cards were used at several shops across Birmingham and online for a shopping delivery.”

They continued: “On 7 February, we arrested Sakander Hussain, 25, at an address in Ingleton Road, Birmingham. We found that Hussain of Knights Close, Erdington, had used Wallis’s bank cards totalling over £400 in the days after fatally stabbing the 65-years-old.

“He was later charged with murder and fraud by false representation.”

Detective Inspector Nick Barnes, from the West Midlands Police Homicide Team, added: “As soon as the murder investigation was launched, our team worked tirelessly on this case and to bring justice to the family of Mr Webb.

“This was a heinous crime with an elderly victim who should have been safe within his own home.

“The fact that Hussain went on to use Mr Webb’s bank cards after he had left him dead demonstrates the callousness of the crime. He even had the presence of mind to set up an online shopping delivery to his home address within hours of the killing.

“He has not offered an ounce of remorse and deserves to spend a significant number of years behind bars.

“I am pleased we have been able to secure justice for the family.”

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NEWS: Police appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage after non-fatal stabbing on Coton Lane

Words by Ed King / Pics taken from Erdington Local archives

Police are appealing for help from the public after a man was stabbed on Coton Lane yesterday afternoon (10 September).

Responding to the incident, emergency services found the victim in a “serious condition” at the scene, but after rushing him to hospital it was confirmed his injuries were not fatal or “life changing”.

Now the force is calling for any information that may help them “trace who is responsible” for the attack that took place in broad daylight, just off the busy Erdington High Street.

Officers investigating are also looking for any eyewitnesses to the incident, or dashcam footage from any vehicle parked on Coton Lane or on the surrounding parts of Erdington High Street.

Following the attack, forensic teams cordoned off the quiet side street to search for clues – with officers also seeking CCTV footage that may help with their enquiries.

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police told: “We’re appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage as investigations continue after a man was stabbed in Coton [Lane], Erdington yesterday afternoon [Tuesday 10 September].

“The man in his 30s was taken for hospital treatment after the incident at around 3.15pm.

“Thankfully he is not believed to have suffered life-changing injuries and remains in a stable condition today [Wednesday 11 September].”

They added: “CCTV from around the area is being retrieved and reviewed as we work to establish what happened and trace who is responsible.

“Investigators have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and would urge anyone we’ve not yet spoken with, but who believes they can help, to come forward.

“We’d also ask that anyone who has any dashcam footage from around the time of the incident to get in contact with us. If you can help, call us on 101 or message us via Live Chat on our website, quoting crime reference number 20/832261/24.”

Members of the public who wish to pass on information anonymously have further been asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Attending the scene on Tuesday afternoon, West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed: “We were called to reports of a stabbing on Coton Lane in Birmingham just before 3.15pm.

“An ambulance, paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and two critical care paramedics were sent to the scene where, on arrival, crews found a man in a serious condition.

They added: “Medics provided advanced trauma care before he was conveyed under emergency conditions to hospital with MERIT travelling on board to provide continued treatment.”

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NEWS: Erdington MP goes against party line with ‘no vote recorded’ on motion to block cuts to winter fuel allowance

Words by Ed King

According to official Westminster sources, Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton has ‘no vote recorded’ over the plans to block contentious cuts to the winter fuel allowance – which would affect approximately 10 million pensioners across the UK.

After a motion to annul the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 was brought to the House by the Conservative Party, all Labour MPs were expected to follow the party line and support the proposed cuts – with a vote against the motion to be held on Tuesday 10 September.

But with ‘no vote recorded’ against Ms Hamilton after a heated debate and subsequent ballot in the House of Commons earlier today, this makes the Erdington MP one of 53 Labour MPs across the country who did not succumb to the party whip.

Following the Chancellor’s announcement in July that a £22bn “black hole” in public finances would see the winter fuel allowance become means tested, the proposed cuts received significant backslash – with many arguing it would put the burden of the country’s finances on the most vulnerable, instead of addressing tax reforms to recoup the deficit.

Looking to push through the changes without a vote in the House, Prime Minister and Labour Party Leader Sir Keir Starmer had previously suspended seven ‘rebel’ MPs who initially stood against the Government on the two-child benefit cap – showing a hard line approach to any internal party opposition.

However, following a challenge from the Conservatives to scrap the proposed cuts a vote was scheduled for Tuesday 10 September – with 348 MPs voting against the motion to annul the changes, and 228 backing it.

72 MPs were identified as having ‘no vote recorded’, effectively abstaining from the vote, 52 of which were Labour Members of Parliament – going directly against the Government’s calls for party unity on the issue.

Labour MP for Normanton and Hemsworth, Jon Trickett, voted in favour of the motion to annul the Government’s proposals to the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment.

Other Midlands MPs with ‘no vote recorded’ in the Commons today are Tahir Ali (Hall Green and Moseley, Labour), Cat Eccles (Stourbridge, Labour), and Sarah Edwards (Tamworth, Labour).

In statement to Erdington Local, Ms Hamilton MP told: “I recognise concerns about the recent changes the Chancellor has made to the Winter Fuel Payments Scheme and that’s why I met with Age UK in July to hear about these directly.

“The new Government is having to make really tough decisions, after our economy was wrecked by the last Government, who left a £22bn black hole in the public finances.”

She added: “I know that people in Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott will be feeling worried about this decision, especially in the run up to winter and I want to assure them that I will continue to put pressure on people in my party to protect the most vulnerable in society and explore alternative means through which to reduce the deficit.”

Birmingham Conservatives Leader and Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden told: “This decision by the Labour Government will be devastating for thousands of pensioners across Erdington Constituency.

“It is estimated that over 11,000 pensioners in Erdington Constituency and over 117,000 across the City of Birmingham, will have their winter fuel allowance removed just as the cold weather approaches.

“Labour has, for years, said these payments were vital for saving lives, yet within weeks of being elected they are slashing these very payments.”

Cllr Alden added: “The reality is this cut to the Winter Fuel Allowance is a direct attack on low income pensioners across Erdington and Birmingham. Labour is forcing them to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table – which Labour’s own research has said will potentially kill 4000 people.

“This isn’t fiscal responsibility—it’s cruel and unnecessary and Labour MPs should have backed the Conservative oppositions motion to stop these cuts.”

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NEWS: Free advice and drop-in support session for renters across Erdington on 12 September

Words by Ed King

A local community group are hosting a special event for renters across Erdington offering advice, guidance, and support around tenant’s rights and how to challenge unscrupulous landlords.

Held on Thursday 12 September at Six Ways Baptist Church, from 11:30am to 2:30pm, the daytime drop-in session will be free to attend – with no advance booking or referrals from third parties required.

Organised by Erdington based Community Interest Company (CIC) People for People, the tenant’s rights support session will be led by the Birmingham branch of ACORN – an international community union established in 1970 that offers support on social issues and housing.

Established as a CIC in February 2022, People for People are a self-described “migrant led organisation” who work across the community to “connect people, encourage mutual support, and create a sense of belonging.”

With renter’s rights often a key issue for people coming to live in the UK from abroad, as well as the existing pressures from private landlords put on renters across the country, the session on Thursday 12 September will be a chance for many across the community to access much needed free support.

People will be able to get advice on any issues around housing and their rights as private tenants, including the legal requirements on property maintenance and how to protect security deposits.

One of the Directors of People for People CIC, Magdalena Breitkopf, told Erdington Local: “During our weekly housing advice sessions at the Six Ways Erdington Baptist Church we identified the need for practical advice on housing in the private sector and we didn’t want to just signpost people, we wanted to bring that advice directly to residents of Erdington.”

The session will also look at the legal framework of an existing tenancy agreement, helping renters fight surprise and ‘no fault’ evictions and keep a roof over their head.

Housing charity Crisis reported a rise of 32% in section 21 notices being issued at the end of last year, where a landlord can evict a tenant without any reason or cause – allowing them to sell or rent the tenant’s home from under them with only eight weeks notice.

Homelessness charity Shelter further report that ‘500 renters are served a section 21 eviction notice EVERY DAY’ and have written an open letter to the top housing politicians in Westminster to force long promised reform through the Commons.

Blamed for uprooting families and stripping renter’s rights, the contentious section 21 notice was set to be abolished in the previous government’s Renters Reform Bill – which campaigners say was “hijacked by grubby deals behind the scenes” and fell dormant after its second reading in May 2024, before the General Election.

The now Labour government have reintroduced proposed changes in the now called Renter Rights Bill, which is set to receive its first reading in October.

If the bill passes successfully through Parliament it is hoped the new legislation would come into effect by October 2025.

For more on People for People CIC visit www.peopleforpeoplecic.org

For more from ACORN Birmingham visit www.facebook.com/Acornbrum

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NEWS: Paulette Hamilton invites South Oscott residents to ‘have a cuppa with your new MP’

Words by Ed King / Pics supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Erdington’s Member of Parliament, Paullette Hamilton (Labour), has invited local residents living in South Oscott to ‘have a cuppa with your new MP’.

In an event held at Maryvale Community Centre on Saturday 7 September, from 12noon to 2pm, Ms Hamilton is looking to engage in “a relaxed conversation” with people in the area and gain “a clear understanding of the key issues in South Oscott”.

She is further hoping that the chance to meet face to face with their Member of Parliament will “ensure that locals [in South Oscott] feel confident in approaching [her] with any concerns.”

Anyone wanting to attend can be signed in at the event, with no advance booking necessary. Security will be present by a spokesperson from the MP’s office has said they will “keep it informal”.

Having retained her seat in the recent General Election – beating the Reform UK parliamentary, Jack Brookes, by 7019 votes and the Conservative candidate, Steve Knee, by 9372 votes – Paulette Hamilton continues to hold a strong majority in the traditionally Labour seat.

But following boundary changes to Erdington constituency in 2024, Ms Hamilton is now the voice in Parliament for the entire Kinsgstanding Ward and half of the Oscott Ward.

Oscott Ward is represented in Birmingham City Council by Cllr Barbara Dring (Labour) and Cllr Darius Sandhu (Conservative).

Paulette Hamilton MP told Erdington Local: “Two months ago, I had the honour of being re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Birmingham Erdington, now proudly representing South Oscott and the whole of Kingstanding. When I said I wanted to champion the concerns of local people, I meant every word.

“This is why I am keen to get stuck in, listen to residents’ concerns, and campaign on their priorities. I believe in the power of personal connection, which is why I am inviting local people from South Oscott to join me for a cup of tea or coffee.”

She added: “Let’s have a relaxed conversation where (they can see the real me – someone who genuinely cares and listens.

“I am committed to being a strong voice for every corner of our community in Parliament, ensuring that no area and no community feels left behind.”

Paullette Hamiliton already holds five monthly ‘MP surgeries’ across the Erdington constituency, with one to one sessions held in Kingstanding, Perry Common, Erdington, Stockland Green, and Castle Vale.

The MP’s office also organises special immigration advice sessions at Perry Common Hall on Wednesdays.

At the time of writing is was unclear if there would be additional regular MP surgeries organised in the Oscott Ward.

However, a spokesperson from the MP’s office confirmed: “Paulette [Hamilton] knows how important it is for local people to access their MP” and they are “looking for a suitable arrangement” for residents in the area.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org