Tag: opinion

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP at constituency office in Erdington / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP’s constituency team

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 14 August. Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP (Birmingham Erdington, Labour)

Protecting our communities remains one of my top priorities, and this summer I’m stepping up my campaign to stop more family homes being lost to poorly managed HMOs and fight for stronger safeguards against exempt accommodation.

Here’s an update on the work I’m doing on your behalf.

I’ve recently been made aware of a planning application for a new 7-bedroom HMO on Tyburn Road. Our area already has far too many poorly managed HMOs, and I don’t believe we need another. That’s why I’ve launched a campaign opposing this application.

I’m also continuing my fight to close the loophole that allows some failed HMO applications to become exempt accommodation.

If you’d like to support these campaigns, please sign my Tyburn Road HMO and exempt accommodation petitions at www.paulettehamilton.org

It was wonderful to welcome so many residents to my recent community coffee morning at Maryvale Community Centre in Oscott. These coffee mornings are a great opportunity to hear your concerns, answer your questions and discuss the issues that matter most.

Paulette Hamilton MP at Maryvale Communty Projectr / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP’s constituency team

I look forward to my next coffee morning on 14 August in Kingstanding as I continue meeting as many of the 122,000 people I represent as possible.

Finally, I hope you’re enjoying the summer holidays and spending quality time with family and friends.

With the Government’s August free bus travel scheme for children aged 5 to 15, I hope many families have been able to make the most of the opportunity to explore and enjoy everything our region has to offer.

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

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OPINION: Councillor Ray Goodwin – Castle Vale, Labour

Cllr Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 14 August. Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale Ward, Labour)

We are now four weeks into Birmingham’s new household waste collection pilot, and while there are some positive changes, there are still significant issues that need to be addressed.

I have been speaking to residents across Castle Vale who genuinely want this pilot to work. They welcome the return of recycling collections, weekly food waste collections and additional street cleansing.

But many are frustrated that they are still waiting for bins to be delivered, while others have told me that their bins have not been emptied as expected.

Four weeks in, these problems should be being resolved. Residents should not be left wondering when their bins will arrive or whether their waste will be collected.

I will continue speaking to residents and raising these issues with the Council. I want this pilot to succeed, but that means listening to residents and putting things right when they go wrong.

There is also some positive news. I’m pleased that the Mobile Tip Truck is returning to Castle Vale on Monday 24 August at Castle Pool car park.

This is another useful service that helps residents dispose of unwanted items responsibly and keeps waste off our streets.

Cleaner streets are something we all want. Residents are doing their bit — now the Council needs to make sure the service delivers for them.

I’ll keep listening, keep raising the issues and keep pushing for Castle Vale.

For more on Councillor Ray Goodwin www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale

 

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

Following the significant investment secured from central government earlier this year for Stockland Green Health Centre, it was a pleasure to mark the start of the new 32-bed purpose-built facility at the Highcroft site.

This long-awaited investment is a major step forward, and I’m proud we’re now seeing real progress.

Our faith and community groups play a vital role in bringing people together. That’s why it was a pleasure to join Pastor Aaron and the congregation at Charlton Road Church as they celebrated their 90th anniversary in Kingstanding.

It was a wonderful reminder of the dedication of volunteers, faith leaders and local organisations that make our area special. With Kingstanding benefitting from £20 million through the Government’s Pride in Place programme, I’m determined to ensure local people are at the heart of shaping that investment for years to come.

(l-r) Church Elder David Read, Paulette Hamilton MP, Pastor Aaron Reyes / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Alongside securing investment, I’m continuing to campaign on the issues that matter most.

I recently challenged the Prime Minister in Parliament over the loophole allowing some landlords, whose HMO applications have been refused, to convert properties into exempt accommodation with far less scrutiny.

Our communities deserve a proper say, and I’ll keep pressing the Government for stronger protections. You can support my campaign by signing my petition at www.paulettehamilton.org

Finally, as schools break up for the summer, I hope you and your family enjoy some well-earned time together.

Whether you’re staying local or heading away, I wish everyone across Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott a safe, happy and relaxing summer.

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

 

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OPINION: A view from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale’s Councillor Ray Goodwin

Cllr Ray Goodwin, outside Spitfire House on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin

For years, I have proudly campaigned for cleaner streets, rolling up my sleeves alongside an incredible local litter-picking group and, with the support of Pioneer Housing, helping to make our neighbourhoods places we can all be proud of. Community spirit has always been at the heart of what we do.

That is why I was deeply disappointed to learn, at 5.45pm on a Friday evening, that major changes to household waste collections would begin the following week.

The return of recycling collections, additional recycling bins, weekly food waste collections and extra street cleansing resources are all positive steps that deserve recognition. I welcome any genuine effort to improve recycling and keep our communities cleaner.

However, introducing fortnightly general waste collections with so little notice is unacceptable. This is a significant change that affects every household, particularly larger families, carers and those with limited storage space.

Residents should have been properly informed and given the opportunity to understand how the changes would affect them before they were introduced.

Good public services rely on trust, and trust is built through clear communication, transparency and meaningful engagement. Announcing a major service change at the end of the working week, with implementation just days later, falls well short of what residents deserve.

I want this pilot to succeed because cleaner neighbourhoods benefit us all. But success depends on taking residents with you, not leaving them feeling ignored.

We all share the responsibility of keeping our communities clean, and the Council has a responsibility to keep residents fully informed when making decisions that affect everyday life.

For more on Councillor Ray Goodwin www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale

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OPINION: Councillor Ray Goodwin – Castle Vale, Labour

Councillor Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour Group

Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.

Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin

There is much to discuss this month, and I know many residents share my concerns about the rise in crime and anti-social behaviour across Castle Vale. In particular, the increasing number of illegal e-bikes and off-road bikes being ridden around the estate is causing real concern.

These vehicles pose a danger to pedestrians and other road users and, sadly, a young man has recently been injured. My thoughts are with him and his family, and I wish him a full and speedy recovery.

Residents are rightly worried about the impact this behaviour is having on our community. No one should feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood, and we all have a responsibility to ensure Castle Vale remains a safe and welcoming place to live.

West Midlands Police must do more to address the issue, and I will be holding a Crime and Community Safety meeting to seek answers and discuss what further action can be taken.

It is important that residents’ voices are heard, and I will continue to press for stronger action and support measures where they are needed.

On a more positive note, it is great to see that all of the parks across the estate have now been completed. These improvements provide welcoming spaces for families, children and residents of all ages to enjoy.

Access to quality green spaces plays an important role in encouraging healthy lifestyles and bringing communities together.

For more on Councillor Ray Goodwin www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour Group

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

I have lived in our area for nearly 40 years. I raised my children here. This is not just the constituency I represent; it is my home. So when our community is threatened, I fight back with everything I have.

Over the years, residents have rightly raised concerns about the spread of HMOs. That is why I have made it my mission to stand with you and challenge inappropriate developments.

My record speaks for itself. Time and again, we have stopped HMO applications across Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott, including a recent victory in Castle Vale.

Now, new HMO proposals are becoming increasingly rare. That is down to all of us. Residents who refuse to stay silent and an MP who refuses to back down.

But I am increasingly concerned about the growing influx of exempt accommodation, which is often being used as a Plan B when an HMO application has been refused. Landlords can lease properties to supported accommodation providers, who can then house a range of unrelated occupants, including people released from prison, without being subject to the same planning controls.

I have therefore written to the Housing Minister demanding an urgent update on plans to close this gap. I have also met with a fellow Birmingham MP to build a cross city alliance to tackle poorly managed exempt accommodation head on.

Too often, when one loophole is closed, another opens. But I want residents to know that I am watching this issue very closely.

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

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.

Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

 

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP outside Erdington Library / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

Like you, I’ve watched the news from the Middle East this week with a heavy heart. The renewal of conflict, with airstrikes on Iran, is deeply troubling.

It forces us to reflect on Britain’s place in a volatile world.

While I condemn the abhorrent actions of the Iranian regime, as your MP my first duty is to you. That is why I support the Government’s decision to ensure the UK is not automatically dragged into another distant war.

We cannot afford to enter conflicts at the behest of others. We must never forget the painful mistakes of the past, particularly the war in Iraq. Any decision involving our armed forces must have one thing at its core: the safety and security of British citizens and a clear, achievable goal.

We cannot commit to conflict without an exit plan.

Locally, I was pleased to host my coffee morning in Gravelly Hill, listening to residents. Whether we are talking about local priorities or our NHS, your voice shapes my work in Westminster.

It also means fighting for the things that hold our community together. I’ve been pressing hard for answers on Erdington Library. Our cherished Grade II-listed building has been left in limbo. I’m pleased that structural surveys are finally approved and plans are moving forward.

I will keep the pressure on for a clear timeline and the funding needed to bring this vital community hub back to life.

Please keep an eye out for my next coffee morning, I hope to see you there.

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

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OPINION: A View from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin

Councillor Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin

I wanted to share some positive news and updates about improvements and investment for Castle Vale.

One of the things residents have been telling me for a while is that we need more litter bins across the estate. I’ve been pushing for this and I’m pleased to say that the hard work has paid off. We will now be getting additional bins installed in a number of locations around Castle Vale.

The exact locations still need to be formally confirmed, but as soon as I have the full details I’ll make sure residents are the first to know.

I’m also happy to share an update on the regeneration work taking place in our parks. This has been an important project for many people in the community, and I know residents are keen to see the improvements completed.

I have been assured that all park works across the estate will be finished by July 2026 at the latest. A promise was made to residents and it’s important that we see it delivered.

There’s also some great news when it comes to funding for the area. I’ve successfully secured £20,000 for community projects in Castle Vale. This funding will go towards initiatives that make a real difference to local people and support our community.

On top of that, I’ve also secured £150,000 in local highways funding. What’s really important is that residents will help decide how this money is spent.

For me, it’s simple — putting residents first and delivering for Castle Vale.

For more on Cllr Ray Goodwin www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP outside Yenton Primary School, Chester Road, Erdington / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

The new year has begun with real progress for families across our community. I am delighted that Gunter, Yenton, and Chivenor Primary Schools will soon open Labour’s free breakfast clubs, building on the support already reaching local schools.

That commitment to fairness is matched by decisive national action. After years of decline under the Conservatives, I was proud to see West Midlands rail services brought back into public ownership.

Services at Erdington and Gravelly Hill stations will now be run for passengers, not shareholder profit, helping to deliver the simpler, more reliable railway our communities deserve.

After the success of securing Kingstanding’s £20 million Pride in Place funding, I have been meeting residents and local organisations, listening directly to those who know the area best. Their voices will shape the priorities for this funding.

The next crucial step is appointing a chair to the local board, and I encourage anyone who lives or works in Kingstanding South East and shares our vision for renewal to apply.

Yet, as we deliver, the Conservatives are descending into chaos. Senior Tories like Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick, architects of their party’s failed immigration policy and economic wreckage, are now rebranding themselves within the ranks of Reform.

They are one and the same. This is a desperate reshuffle of the same failed deck, offering no real solutions for communities like ours.

Despite the political noise, I remain committed to fighting for investment, fairness, and opportunity for Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott, today, tomorrow, and every day.

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

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OPINION: A View from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin

Councillor Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin

The past month has shown once again what can be achieved when communities are supported, empowered and listened to. The mobile tip truck has proved its value following the post-Christmas period, helping residents tackle waste and improve the environment they care so deeply about.

Alongside this, our dedicated community litter pickers have now collected an incredible 1,560 bags of rubbish — a powerful demonstration of civic pride and collective action.

But this is about more than numbers. It is about people. Across Castle Vale, residents are stepping forward to make a difference: volunteers supporting the food bank, neighbours organising clean-ups, and local creative talent like Duane Emsley, who is producing films that showcase the voices and stories of our community.

This is what happens when people are given the opportunity and support to lead change themselves.

I am often asked why I chose to get involved in politics, and why I am standing for re-election. The answer is clear. Politics should be about people — not rhetoric, not ideology, but real action that improves everyday lives.

Campaigners like the inspirational Jane Roche, who continues to fight for justice for families who lost loved ones to Covid, remind us that leadership means standing up for those who might otherwise be unheard.

Castle Vale proves that democracy is strongest when communities are at its heart. My commitment remains the same: to champion local voices, fight for fairness, and ensure that people-powered politics delivers real change where it matters most.

For more on Cllr Ray Goodwin www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale