‘We’re paying more and getting less’ - Birmingham residents react to council cuts, rising bills & bin strikes

Birmingham residents are feeling the impact of sweeping council cuts and rising costs, as the city faces its worst financial crisis in decades.

Since Birmingham City Council declared effective bankruptcy in 2023, services have been scaled back, council tax is set to rise sharply, and many are wondering whether their city is still working for them.

Watch the video as we ask Brummies how they are coping.

The financial turmoil, marked by the issuing of a Section 114 notice, means the council can no longer meet its spending obligations.

The consequences have been felt across communities - bin strikes have left rubbish piling up, community centres are shutting down, and social care support is dwindling.

For some residents, daily life has become more stressful. “Definitely more stressful, definitely more worrying—and worries I guess that we could do without,” said one Birmingham local.

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Others pointed to the increase in rats due to missed bin collections, making their neighbourhoods feel neglected. “A lot more rats, which has made life quite unpleasant, to be very fair,” one resident added.

While some areas continue to receive bin collections, others have been left struggling with overflowing waste. “We're very lucky; it hasn't really changed for us. We live in an area where we're getting regular bin collections, but garden waste and recycling services have stopped. Luckily, we have a car and can go to the tip,” explained another resident. But for those without transport, the situation is far more difficult.

Beyond the immediate cuts, council tax is set to rise dramatically—one of the biggest increases seen anywhere in the UK. Combined with soaring food, rent, and energy bills, many residents feel they’re getting a raw deal.

“For many, it feels like they’re paying more and getting less,” one local said.

The strain is particularly visible in areas with high child poverty, where demand for food banks and support services is rising. But residents say it’s about more than just money—it’s about whether Birmingham still feels like a city that works for the people who live there.

Despite the growing crisis, some still hold onto optimism. “I have to be hopeful. I have to put my faith in them, because we're not going to get anything out of being hopeless,” said a long-time resident.

Others, however, believe urgent action is needed to prevent further decline. “The council needs to have a rethink about its strategy, try and get its finances in order, and hopefully settle the outstanding wage problem that they've had for a long time,” one person urged.

As local elections loom, the big question is what comes next. Will Birmingham’s leaders be able to turn the tide, or is there more bad news ahead? For many, waiting to find out is no longer an option.