'We have so much to be proud of' - Birmingham's departing Lord Mayor’s message of hope

Mayor Ken Wood, who became a councillor for Sutton Walmley and Minworth in 2014, took up the politically neutral role last year in a ceremony in the council chamber.

The role of the Lord Mayor includes representing the Birmingham community at formal ceremonies and on both joyous and tragic occasions; supporting charities; welcoming dignitaries and chairing council meetings.

Speaking at last year’s ceremony, Coun Wood said he was “proud and extremely humbled” before adding he was positive about the future of Birmingham despite “doom and gloom” stories in the media.

Since then, the disruption and bleak scenes caused by the bins strike have attracted unwanted headlines from across the world.

Writing in an annual report, he acknowledged the turmoil that Brummies have had to endure recently.

“This year again saw our citizens having to deal with the pressures as a result of the financial problems within the council and of course more recently, the ongoing industrial dispute,” he said.

“Despite these pressures I have been humbled at the work being done within our communities – be they day centres, food banks, schools, and by the faith groups – both large and small.

“They are the beating heart of Birmingham, and time and time again I have been reminded that Birmingham is so much bigger than Birmingham City Council.”

He said he strived to “big-up Brum” wherever possible – from building on his predecessor Coun Chaman Lal’s work to taking part in Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham TV show.

“Joe, like many people and organisations we have met, believes Birmingham doesn’t shout loudly enough about the great things it has, and that is exactly what we set out to do – be proud and shout it out loud,” he said.

“Through Joe, we have now signed friendship agreements with 17 Birminghams in North America – and long may the United States of Birmingham continue.

“Be it our schools, our world-class universities, our Jewellery Quarter, our Balti belt, or our sports success (well, Birmingham City FC really), we have so much to be proud of.”

Coun Wood said a focus of his was “re-forging” international links, which included accompanying a trade delegation to one of Birmingham’s ‘twinned Cities’ – Leipzig in Germany.

“Whilst there we were honoured to attend the spectacular Leipziger Opernball where their chosen theme for the year was ‘Birmingham’,” he said.

“Along with a vast array of dignitaries and celebrities, we enjoyed a great evening where they celebrated all things Birmingham while raising a substantial amount for local charities.”

He continued: “We have also been fortunate enough to receive inward delegations from County Clare, Frankfurt, Leipzig and Limerick, as well as giving an official welcome to the new Korean and Cuban Ambassadors to the UK.

“[This shows] that whatever the financial tribulations of the council, Birmingham is very much open for business!”

The Birmingham bins strike dispute was sparked by the council’s plans to scrap a Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) role, which Unite said would force “dedicated workers onto pay levels barely above the minimum wage”.

The council has insisted in the past that a “fair and reasonable offer” has been made, with council leader John Cotton adding it “cannot and will not entertain anything that would re-open an equal pay liability”.

On the wider financial difficulties which has plagued the council, external auditors recently highlighted several issues including the equal pay debacle, inadequate budget setting, poor service management, demand led pressures and the disastrous implementation of a new IT system.

Labour politicians have also pointed to the impact of funding cuts over the past decade or so.

Birmingham’s next Lord Mayor will be named at a ceremony later this afternoon, May 20.