I, along with many other West Midlands MPs, wrote to the Director General of the BBC regarding the proposed changes to local radio programming. The changes will see BBC West Midlands output shared after 2pm on weekdays with BBC Coventry and Warwickshire and then later in the evening with other midlands stations. This, in conjunction, with other changes will mean less than half of the programming will be relevant to a specific area. This is a serious blow to local democracy, with the changes signed off without any public consultation. Please see here for the letter in full: https://www.shabanamahmood.org/2023/06/09/shabana-signs-cross-party-letter-to-bbc-director-general-on-changes-to-local-radio/  

This week saw Birmingham City Council launch the landlord licensing schemes for the private rented sector after I spent years lobbying for them. The selective licensing scheme covers all privately-rented property in the Birmingham Ladywood constituency. The additional licensing scheme for HMOs covers all 69 electoral wards in the city. Landlords of any property within designated wards will have to secure a licence to privately rent out their property.  

I am so pleased to see that the council has finally introduced these new licensing schemes.  The schemes are another step towards getting a grip on the proliferation of badly managed HMOs in Birmingham. While many landlords act responsibly, I’ve long since made the case that there are too many bad landlords who exploit the rules around HMOs which can lead to antisocial behaviour.  These schemes will protect landlords who play by the rules and weed out those who are currently behaving badly.  

Suited for Success are also fundraising for their new bus, which will take the help and support they offer right into the heart of hard-to-reach areas of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, which have the highest rates of unemployment. This is a great local charity that provides work wear and employment support. Their mission is to level the playing field providing free workshops, interview coaching and tips to anyone who is unemployed. Read here to learn more and if you can please donate to their Just Giving Page: https://www.suitedforsuccess.co.uk/buslaunch-fundraiser 

The Mobile Household Recycling Centre will be making the rounds through various parts of the city this week. Make sure you check my Facebook or Whatsapp broadcast to see if it is going to be visiting your area!  

I hope everyone has a good weekend!