In the heart of Birmingham lies the vibrant communities of Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott, areas bursting with untapped potential. Yet, for too long, systemic barriers have held them back. My constituency ranks among the top five most deprived areas in the UK, with unemployment rates double the national average and functional literacy levels among the lowest in the country. These challenges are not just statistics; they represent real lives, real dreams, and real opportunities denied.
But in the face of adversity, our community has refused to accept defeat. Instead, we have come together to take control of our future. In 2020, as the economic fallout from the COVID pandemic began to bite, the North Birmingham Economic Recovery Board was born. Administered by the Witton Lodge Community Association and supported by a coalition of 25 organisations, this initiative has become a beacon of hope and a model of what can be achieved when communities unite.
Since becoming Chair of the Board in March 2022, I have seen the transformative impact of this work. By bringing together local authorities, businesses, community groups, and social enterprises, we have created a platform for real change. Our focus is on delivering skills, training, and employment opportunities to those who face the greatest barriers. From small businesses to major employers like Jaguar Land Rover, we have ensured that local residents can access and benefit from economic opportunities.
The results speak for themselves. To date, we have secured over £15 million in investment, supported 8,000 residents, and helped over 1,000 people into work. We have enrolled 1,500 residents in Gateway Courses, linking them to jobs, and partnered with companies like Amazon and Halfords to develop tailored apprenticeships and recruitment drives. Regular skills workshops and jobs fairs, such as the recent event at St Barnabas Church, have connected hundreds of job seekers with over 25 employers.
This success is a testament to the power of place-based partnerships. By tailoring our approach to the unique needs of our community, we have been addressing the root causes of deprivation and exclusion. But while we celebrate these achievements, we cannot ignore the challenges that remain.
The UK is facing a skills crisis. According to the Department for Education, skills shortages have doubled since 2017, now accounting for 36% of job vacancies. This is a national problem that requires a national solution. Initiatives like Skills England, announced by the Labour Government last year, are a step in the right direction. By bringing together stakeholders to meet the skills needs of the future, this approach has the potential to create new opportunities for young people and support businesses in building a skilled workforce.
Of course, there is always room for improvement. Earlier this year, I welcomed the Minister for Work and Pensions to Erdington. During her visit, we saw the impact of wrap-around support and heard directly from residents about their experiences. At Witton Lodge Community Association, we listened to young people and local partners share their ideas for expanding opportunities. At Erdington Jobcentre, we met dedicated work coaches helping residents achieve their goals.
But we also heard about the challenges. Residents waiting years for English language courses, limiting their ability to find work. Others making long journeys for appointments, only to face harsh sanctions for being minutes late. These stories are not unique to Erdington, they are echoed in communities across the country.
The reality is that a one-size-fits-all approach simply does not work. Each community is unique and requires tailored support. Rigid structures must not limit the potential of initiatives that are already achieving extraordinary things.
The work we are doing in Birmingham Erdington and North Birmingham is a reminder of what politics should be about: helping each other, being there for one another, and creating opportunities for everyone. It’s what I believed 21 years ago when I first became a councillor, and it’s what I believe today as an MP.
It is a testament to the power of community and the belief that, together, we can overcome even the greatest challenges. By investing in our people and supporting the vital work of third-sector partnerships like the North Birmingham Economic Recovery Board, we have a blueprint for unlocking Britain’s potential.
By investing in people and supporting the third-sector we have a blueprint for unlocking Britain’s potential
