UK Government Takes Control of Bankrupt Birmingham, Implements Cuts and Appoints Commissioners

The UK government has taken control of Birmingham, the country's second-largest city, after the local council declared itself bankrupt. The government has proposed appointing commissioners to oversee a financial recovery plan that may include job cuts, tax increases, and the sale of assets. Birmingham's financial troubles stem from compensation claims it has had to pay to former female employees who were historically paid less than men. The city's council has already spent £1.1 billion ($1.4 billion) settling these claims and now expects a budget deficit of £87 million ($109 million) for the 2023-24 financial year.