Today in Focus
Rats, rubbish and rising taxes: why Birmingham stinks right now
Apr 10, 2025
In this discussion, Jessica Murray, The Guardian's social affairs correspondent, dives into Birmingham's current chaos. She reveals how a strike by bin collectors has led to a rat infestation, exposing deep disparities between neighborhoods. Struggles of the workers, compounded by rising living costs, paint a grim picture of their financial instability. The financial crisis facing the Birmingham City Council is also highlighted, revealing the troubling effects of past mismanagement. Murray's insights shed light on the urgent need for change in the city's waste management and public services.
26:57
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The ongoing strike by refuse workers has resulted in a waste management crisis, significantly impacting public health and community cleanliness.
- Birmingham City Council's bankruptcy and subsequent tax increase reflect deep financial issues, exacerbated by austerity measures and reduced local services.
Deep dives
Surge in Rat Infestation
The spike in rat infestation in Birmingham has drawn significant concern, with pest control services reporting a remarkable increase in calls. One pest controller noted a 50% rise in rat-related jobs since March, emphasizing the severity of the issue as he encounters unusually large rats, some measuring 22 inches long. The rise in rodent sightings is attributed to several factors, including abandoned waste and the delays in refuse collection due to ongoing strikes. This situation highlights the broader implications of the refuse crisis on public health and the urgent need for effective waste management solutions.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
