This week, I launched my petition which calls on the Government to allow councils to cap the number of exempt properties in each ward. It comes after I found that on one street alone in Birmingham Ladywood, 25% of the properties are exempt accommodation – such an overconcentration should never be allowed to happen. When vulnerable tenants are crammed into properties on quiet residential streets, without getting the support that they need, it has caused a significant increase in anti-social behaviour and created misery for local residents.  If you agree that we need action stop the oversaturation of exempt accommodation in Birmingham Ladywood, join my campaign and sign my petition today: https://www.shabanamahmood.org/sign-my-petition-cap-exempt-accommodation/  

In July, I asked Birmingham City FC fans to fill in my survey on the club and this week, I published the results. The survey found that of nearly 1,300 fans, a huge 97% said they were not satisfied with the way the club was being run. With over £120 million of debt and a crumbling stadium which has been left unfixed for two years now, it’s clear Blues fans have had enough. 

As my constituents have highlighted, for years now Blues fans have been able to do nothing but watch with devastation as their beloved club has been driven to the brink. I will continue pushing the government to move faster. We need legislative action and an independent regulator now, not in 2 or 3 years time, when BCFC could have already disappeared. Read further information on the survey here: https://www.shabanamahmood.org/2022/08/12/survey-of-blues-fans-show-97-dissatisfied-with-club/  

Finally, what an amazing closing ceremony we had this week for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. It was the perfect way to end two weeks of fantastic sport. Birmingham has really delivered over the last fortnight and it’s been great to see everyone getting involved in the Games, and perhaps even finding a new sport they hadn’t seen before. Now we need to make sure that the Games continue delivering for Birmingham with a lasting economic legacy that makes our city fit for the future. 

I hope everyone has a good weekend and please keep safe in the heat!