Seven years ago Birmingham City Council was failing. The Labour administration had let the city’s public services break down. Housing and Social Services were so bad that Central Government was preparing to step in and take them over. In 2004, The Liberal Democrats formed a coalition with the Conservatives and took over the council to help turn our services around. Since then, we’ve been rated by the Audit Commission as ‘Improving Adequately’ for one year and ‘Improving Well’ for the rest. We’ve worked endlessly improving everything from schools to road maintenance and from recycling to social housing – two things we’ve received official green flags for in recognition for our outstanding improvements.

During Labour’s years of decline, council tax went up well above the rate of inflation. We had one of the highest council taxes of any metropolitan borough – and some of the worst public services. Since 2004, we’ve had below inflation rises and zero rise this year. We’re now have one of the cheapest council taxes of any metropolitan council – and improved services.

But there’s still much to do. Child services desperately need improving. More social housing needs to be built. Our public transport improvements are only just starting to be seen on the streets. The Liberal Democrats have been the driving force behind the council services improvements and we are determined to carry on this good work.  We have six priorities for 2011.  We call them Six to Fix.

Better Public Transport – A Cleaner Greener City – Create More Jobs
More Social Housing – More Police on the beat – Better Access to Education

If like me you want to see the council continue to improve, don’t vote Labour back in. Vote for continuing improvement in Birmingham. Vote for me, Colin Green, and the Liberal Democrats on the 5th of May.