Council Launches 'Modern Brummie' Survey Amid Ongoing Financial Crisis

What's happened

On 19th February 2026, Birmingham City Council launched a major citywide survey asking residents to share what Birmingham means to them and to define what it means to be a "modern Brummie".

The initiative, supported by the council's Public Participation Team, aims to build a picture of how people experience the city, exploring perceptions of local services, public spaces, heritage, and community cohesion. According to the council, the insights gathered will be used to co-produce a new Birmingham "brand" that reflects the diversity and values of people across all 69 wards.

What it means for Erdington and Pype Hayes

For residents in Erdington and Pype Hayes, the announcement of a citywide branding exercise may feel disconnected from the daily realities on our streets. While the council focuses on defining a "shared sense of place", our community is dealing with tangible, pressing issues.

We are still waiting for a clear timeline on the structural repairs needed at Erdington Library. We are still battling the explosion of HMOs and exempt accommodation that puts immense pressure on local infrastructure. Furthermore, basic service delivery—from reliable bin collections to road resurfacing—remains a significant concern for households paying rising council tax bills during a period of severe financial recovery for the local authority.

Where I stand

I completely understand the argument that a city needs a strong identity and that fostering civic pride is a positive goal. Birmingham is a fantastic city with a rich industrial heritage and a brilliant community spirit. I respect the administration, led by Cllr Roger Harmer, for wanting to engage with residents and hear their voices.

However, as your Reform UK councillor, my priority is always the practical reality of living in Pype Hayes and Erdington. True civic pride does not come from a marketing campaign or a co-produced "brand"; it comes from living in a neighbourhood where the streets are clean, the roads are safe, the bins are collected on time, and local facilities like libraries are open and well-maintained.

When the council is navigating a historic financial crisis, every penny and every hour of officer time must be scrutinised. I am deeply concerned that extensive consultation exercises like this serve as a distraction from the core, statutory duties the council is currently struggling to fulfill. We need to get the basics right before we start worrying about our brand.

What happens next

The "What is a modern Brummie?" survey is currently open online. The council intends to use the results to inform future engagement approaches and develop the new city narrative.

In the meantime, my office will be submitting formal questions to the council leadership to ascertain exactly how much this branding exercise is costing the taxpayer, how many staff hours are being dedicated to it, and how the council plans to measure its actual impact on frontline service delivery. I will continue to push for investment in our ward's physical infrastructure rather than abstract concepts.

Have your say

Do you think the council is focusing on the right priorities? I want to hear your views. Please register on the site to leave a comment below, vote in our latest ward forum poll, or start a petition if there is a specific local issue you want us to tackle together.

Source: Birmingham City Council