I have always been clear that any regeneration of Ladywood should not leave the existing community worse off. I have told Birmingham City Council the plans should not be a backdoor for mass gentrification of our neighbourhood, where people have put down roots and made their homes.

Since the regeneration proposals were announced, I have surveyed 1,600 residents who live within the regeneration zone, met with affected residents, and raised the concerns of local people directly with the developers. I have also had productive discussions with representatives from Ladywood Unite.

My support for the regeneration project has always been conditional. Following a meeting with representatives from Ladywood Unite, I reiterate my three red lines:

1. A full and transparent consultation process with residents throughout the project – appointing a specialist to support the community.
2. Residents who want to stay in Ladywood are guaranteed to stay in Ladywood, and that they are rehoused in one move to prevent disruption.
3. A promise that new, quality community facilities are at the heart of the project and not an afterthought.

I won’t support any regeneration if the council step over my red lines. These have significant overlap with the six Ladywood Unite asks presented during the election campaign.

What I won’t do is make this issue a political football, or exploit it for electoral purposes – it’s simply too important. I won’t make promises I can’t deliver on, and I won’t use this issue to divide our community.

Through my survey and conversations with residents it’s clear there is a diversity of views on the regeneration proposals. I continue to give a voice to the broadest possible spectrum of opinion.

A year has passed since the regeneration proposals were announced and residents are still in the dark about plans for their neighbourhood. If re-elected, I pledge to send a second survey to every household in the regeneration zone to reassess the concerns of those affected by the plans. I will audit the council’s actions since June 2023 and seek a meeting with the new Managing Director of Birmingham City Council, Joanne Roney.

The council only have one chance to get this right and secure the future of Ladywood for generations to come. I hear the pain of residents and the distress this uncertainty is causing.

The council can and must do better. I want you to know that I am on your side.