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Waste Disposal: Birmingham

Asked by Wendy MortonConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 23 February 2026UIN 112143

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what written correspondence he has had with Birmingham City Council on proposed settlements to end the waste strike.

Answered by Alison McGovern

The ongoing waste dispute is damaging for the residents and reputation of the great city of Birmingham. We take the progress made across Birmingham City Council extremely seriously. A successful and prospering Birmingham is a high priority for this government, and the department regularly meets both the Council and Commissioners, alongside receiving regular updates on progress, including on the waste dispute and contingency arrangements. During the acute phase of the waste dispute last year, the government took decisive action in lock step with the Council to ensure waste in the city was safely and sustainably managed. The result was to establish a regular, reliable waste collection service despite industrial action. In relation to advice received on the waste dispute, internal government advice will not be published, in line with normal practice and convention.

Any allegation of bullying or harassment is a matter for the employer to deal with in the first instance. Birmingham City Council and their contracted agency are independent employers, and the ongoing disputes are a local issue. The government is not a party in the dispute and does not hold information about the allegations of bullying or harassment.

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