Birmingham calls for government support in providing cost-of-living relief

Leaders across Birmingham have submitted a letter to the government asking for more support for business and communities amidst the crippling cost-of-living crisis.

Members of the Birmingham City Partnership Board have written to outline the issues facing the city and to suggest how the government could help the region.

This follows the Leader of Birmingham City Council, Cllr Ian Ward, has declaring a cost-of-living emergency on September 5.

The Board has asked the government to assist the city by:

• Improving access to financial information and support, such as winter fuel payments
• Temporarily extending VAT relief for businesses in hospitality and non-essential retail, since many are still struggling with debt accrued throughout the pandemic
• Giving Ofgem more power to regulate the energy market for businesses
• Reviewing and reforming the Shortage Occupation List to reduce wage pressures and fill vacancies
• Providing targeted financial support for charities and voluntary organisations on the frontline of the crisis
• Reform the business rates system by reducing the level of multiplier, removing plant and machinery from the ratings system and simplifying the appeals process

Cllr Brigid Jones, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council and Chair of Birmingham City Partnership Board, said: ‘Birmingham is a diverse and dynamic city but one which is uniquely vulnerable to the worst effects of the cost-of-living crisis. This joint letter to national government is a strong signal to our residents that we do not intend to leave them behind.

‘This follows on from Birmingham City Council’s announcement of a £5 million fund to help our residents during this crisis. As a city, we are joining forces to help residents with the significant inflation in the costs of food and fuel, and we hope that this letter encourages the Prime Minister to join our effort and ensure that support reaches those that need it most this winter.’

The letter has been signed by a range of leaders across sectors, including health, business and economic development, education, and local and regional government.

Photo by Zach Farmer