Local Elections · May 7th 2026
In the lead up to the local election on May 7th 2026, Birmingham Friends of the Earth are asking candidates to agree to a list of commitments for the next 4 years. The commitments cover 3 key themes that were prioritised most during BFoE’s listening campaign over the last few months.
Plant more trees and improve green spaces
We would demand that any new and current green spaces be pesticide free, free of harmful chemicals that decrease biodiversity and pose a threat to our health and our pets.
Access to green spaces must improve so that everyone reaches the WHO baseline — no more than a 5-minute walk from 0.5Ha of green space. Currently, 23% of the city do not have this.
More local green jobs and training for young people
Work with education providers to prioritise courses that support the growth of a Net Zero economy, and ensure the learner-to-earner pathway is well supported.
Provide support for local businesses and third sector organisations to offer young people work experience opportunities.
Better public transport and healthy air
Re-introduce dry recycling collection from all households, with separate food and garden waste collections. This should support the planned closure of the Tyseley incinerator — the city’s biggest single emitter of greenhouse gases.
Curb traffic near schools to improve air quality.
Invest in active transport infrastructure in the most deprived wards, with safe, accessible routes separated from traffic where possible.
How can you get involved?
Get in touch with candidates in your ward and ask them to sign the Charter of Hope. You can find out who is standing in your ward here.
Find your candidates, and ask them to commit to putting Birmingham first over the next 4 years. You can write your own or copy and adapt the template below.
Ready to sign?
If you’re a candidate and you’re ready to commit to the people of Birmingham, sign the Charter of Hope now.
Candidates, Sign the Charter of Hope
If you have any questions or want to find out more about BFoE’s local elections campaign, get in touch with us directly.
Suggested email to your candidate
Find your candidate, then copy, paste and adapt the email below – or write your own. You can find out who is standing in your ward here.
Dear [Insert their name],
I am writing to you as a constituent in [add your ward]. Local action is crucial in combating the climate crisis. I believe that you stand in a unique position to help your constituents and act in the face of climate change.
Birmingham City Council plays a key role in addressing the environmental and social issues within the city. Birmingham has so much to gain from the benefits that come with climate action, including new jobs, cleaner air and safer streets. Will you, as a future local representative, make climate action a priority?
Birmingham Friends of the Earth, along with a number of other groups within Birmingham, are asking candidates to commit to tackling the issues which the people of the city have said are most important. You can read more on their website: birminghamfoe.org.uk.
I would kindly ask you to sign their Charter of Hope, and agree to put Birmingham first over the next 4 years: Sign the Charter of Hope.
Kind regards,
[Your name]
