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Bankrupt, rat-infested Birmingham shows why local government matters

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BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 08: A huge pile of Rubbish on Bromfield Close in Aston on April 08, 2025 in Birmingham, England. Rubbish collectors and members of Unite began intermittent strikes earlier this year over Birmingham City Council’s plans to downgrade some staff and reduce their pay by up to £8000. On 11 March, 400 workers began an indefinite strike after the council used agency staff for bin collections. Striking refuse collectors have been accused of preventing bin lorries from leaving depots, and as rubbish piles become infested with rats and flies, a major incident has been declared. (Photo by Ryan Jenkinson/Getty Images)

With local elections across much of England, it’s time we took regional accountability much more seriously, says Simon Clarke

Next Thursday, there are local elections across much of England. For many people, these events will pass them by entirely. For others, they will be purely an opportunity to send a message about national politics: it seems likely that both Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats will enjoy good nights, capturing the protest vote of both the Right and Left respectively. Despite Labour’s woes, it may be a particularly difficult night for the Conservatives, defending a high watermark of........

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