It's also often forgotten that local government in the UK has two income streams: * Council Tax, which is based on the value of your home. * Government funding

It's also often forgotten that local government in the UK has two income streams: * Council Tax, which is based on the value of your home. * Government funding, which makes up the vast majority of the income. The latter has seen a cut of £800m in the last 13 years. Birmingham has been set up to fail by a government run by the other political party. The same area is also covered by the West Midlands Combined Authority, which is headed by an elected Conservative mayor. Somehow, his organisation has tons of cash to do all sorts of nice projects (like campaigning to rebuild a wonky pub) but doesn't have any tax raising powers (something they're very proud of). Where is that money coming from? Why is it not being used to bailout the council instead of forcing 20% tax rises on residents along with shutting public services. Birmingham has been left out to dry by political opponents. Nothing more, nothing less.