Community Challenges
Cost of Living
Engage — Act — Deliver
Working families should not have to choose between heating, eating and educating their children.
Context
What is happening.
The cost-of-living squeeze has hit working-class East Birmingham hard. Food banks, warm spaces and mosque-led support have filled gaps the state has left.
Challenges
What we face.
- High energy costs in older, less efficient homes
- Rising food costs and reliance on emergency food provision
- Debt and financial-resilience pressures
- Childcare costs limiting parents' ability to work
Opportunities
What we can build on.
- Strong tradition of mutual aid through faith and community
- Skilled local advice organisations
Solutions
Practical, community-led steps forward.
- —Sustained funding for local debt and welfare advice
- —Energy-efficiency programmes prioritised in East Birmingham
- —Childcare reform that works for shift workers and large families
Other issues
Explore more challenges
Youth Opportunities
Every young person in East Birmingham deserves a fair start, a clear pathway and an adult who believes in them.
ReadEmployment
Good work, fair pay and real progression — close to home. That should not be a luxury.
ReadSkills and Education
Excellent schools and lifelong learning are the engine of every successful community.
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