Overview

• Birmingham City Council approves significant budget cuts and a 10% council tax increase to avoid bankruptcy.
• The cuts include the loss of up to 600 council jobs, reduced bin collections, and the closure of libraries and community centers.
• Residents warn of 'disastrous' consequences, affecting services like adult social care, children’s services, and flood defenses.
• The council's financial struggles stem from a combination of spiraling service costs, high inflation, and years of government under-funding.
• Other UK councils face similar financial crises, with some already declaring insolvency and others at risk in the near future.