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Waste Collection: Birmingham and the West Midlands
21 January 2026
Lead MP
Wendy Morton
Aldridge-Brownhills
Con
Responding Minister
Alison McGovern
Tags
TaxationEmployment
Word Count: 10505
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Wendy Morton raised concerns about waste collection: birmingham and the west midlands in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The debate calls for government support to resolve the waste collection crisis in Birmingham and the West Midlands, ensuring better public health outcomes and improved waste management practices across the region.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Over the last year, there has been a breakdown in waste collection services in Birmingham due to industrial action, leading to piled-up rubbish, fly tipping and rat infestations. The situation has reached such severity that the Army was called in to manage logistics, causing global reputational damage. Local councils are facing significant financial strain with estimated costs of £8.4 million spent on agency staff and £5 million on outsourced contractors between January and August last year.
Ayoub Khan
Ind
Birmingham Perry Barr
Critiqued the Labour-run council for pursuing budget cuts, refusing to re-enter negotiations, and diverting taxpayer money towards prolonging the dispute rather than resolving it. Highlighted that attempts to break the bin strikes have already cost over £33 million. Agrees with the Liberal Democrat MP that inner-city areas are disproportionately affected by the lack of green and recyclable waste collections, highlighting issues like increased landfill use and poor recycling rates.
Bradley Thomas
Con
Bromsgrove
Agreed that the situation was a failure of leadership, with visible impacts on neighbouring constituencies like Bromsgrove, where fly-tipping has increased.
Brian Leishman
Lab
Alloa and Grangemouth
The MP criticised the Labour party for betraying workers' rights by allowing a pay cut of up to £8,000. He mentioned that more than £20 million had been spent on the dispute without resolving it. Expresses solidarity with bin strikers and their families, challenging the idea that Labour's commitment to socialist ideals is something to be ashamed of. Calls for more from a Government after 14 years of Conservative austerity.
Ian Byrne
Lab
Liverpool West Derby
Byrne emphasizes that the strike is a response to pay cuts, bullying, and union-busting rather than for increased wages, highlighting the severe impact on essential public services during the cost of living crisis.
Laurence Turner
Lab
Birmingham Northfield
Asked whether concerns were raised about service cancellations during periods of severe funding cuts for Birmingham city council. Turner argues that there are only two parties involved in resolving this dispute: the union and the council. He suggests that seeking more leadership from others is not accurate.
Stratford-on-Avon
Highlights the impact of Birmingham’s bin strike on residents, noting council tax hikes and service reductions. Criticises Labour's management failures and calls for proper community policing to tackle fly-tipping.
Paul Holmes
Con
Halesowen and Rowley Regis
Praises his colleague for securing this debate but criticises the Government's failure to ensure local authorities deliver services effectively, suggesting that the strike could have been avoided with better governance. Praised local Conservative councils for their work in waste management and acknowledged the efforts of volunteers who clear rubbish from communities. Inquired whether specific advice had been sought from officials to see if there was legal cover for convening a meeting of all parties involved.
Preet Kaur Gill
Lab
Birmingham Edgbaston
Called for legal advice and steps towards a settled negotiation, highlighting the financial impact of reopening equal pay liabilities which could further destabilise public finances. She also noted the council’s plan for transformation including new fleet vehicles and phased roll-out. Emphasises the positive impact of the Labour Government's efforts in Birmingham since austerity, highlighting investments in communities like Woodgate and Bartley Green. Accuses opponents of doing a disservice to the Labour-run council.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Described his experience with trade unionism, agreeing that the dispute is due to blocked settlements by council leadership and commissioners. Emphasized the unacceptable pay cuts of up to £8,000 for workers.
Tahir Ali
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Asked if the council should publish its legal advice to clarify the narrative on equal pay impact. Emphasised the importance of equal pay liabilities not being used to equalise women's pay downwards, advocating for fair funding and services.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
The fiscal ineptitude of Birmingham city council has led to a reduction in services and deepened poverty, necessitating Government intervention. Asked if the Minister believed that the situation in Birmingham was acceptable, highlighting concerns about waste piling up. Calls for an end to the waste service strikes and uncertainty in Birmingham.
Government Response
Alison McGovern
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness
Government Response
Acknowledged the concerns raised, supporting Birmingham city council's funding settlement increase of 45% to reconnect council funding with deprivation. Emphasised that the Government has a special role due to appointed commissioners and stressed the need for poverty reduction. The Minister noted that the Government is not a party to the dispute but has a responsibility due to the presence of commissioners overseeing the council's improvement journey. She acknowledged the need for an end to the strike and highlighted the steps taken by the Government last spring to address a public health crisis, including supporting the council in clearing waste from the streets.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.