The city council will build 8,000 homes and back further community led housing projects if Labour retains control at the May local election.
That’s the key pledge in the Labour manifesto launched today.
Labour council leader Ian Ward said: "We will be looking to build a minimum 8,000 homes obverse the next four years. On top of that will be the private sector contribution to help meet Birmingham's housing need."
The pledge would mean increasing the rate of council house construction from its current level of about 500 a year.
"I you think that we've got to build in excess of 50,000 homes by 2031 we will also have to invest in skills to ensure we have the people to deliver this."
He also rubbished a rival Conservative proposal to demolish all council tower blocks as failing to deal with the housing shortage and sure to create homelessness.
The Labour group has also pledged to introduce a new skills fund to support smaller businesses in training and apprenticeships.
And cllr Ward was joined by Labour's shadow education secretary Angela Raynor MP for a tour of the Erdington Skills Centre where they met trainee bricklayers, carpenters and painters preparing themselves for careers in construction.
Cllr Ward said: “Under Labour, Birmingham is on the up. We’re building homes, creating jobs and preparing to showcase the city as we host the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Over the next four years we’ll ensure that the growth of our city is inclusive growth, where the jobs and opportunities benefit the people of Birmingham."
He said they had protected services for the vulnerable despite seeing their budget slashed by the Conservative Government.
“We’re immensely proud of this manifesto – it builds on Birmingham’s rich heritage but also outlines how we create a new municipal socialism that benefits all. Labour will ensure that Birmingham will flourish and allow everyone to participate to their full potential."
Angela Rayner MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, said: “Birmingham Labour has put jobs and skills at the centre of their offer – and Labour know that supporting our young people, giving them the skills they need, is central to a city and a society that works for all."
Further pledges
The manifesto also contains pledges to increase regulation and enforcement of private landlords to raise standards across the housing market.
And after years of privatising council services with mixed and often expensive results the Labour council will offer in house staff and services preferred bidder status when new contracts are up for grabs.
The Labour leadership has already reduced its Service Birmingham IT deal with Capita and taken staff back in house to save £43 million over three years.
There is a pledge to finally create a council owned energy company, which has been discussed for several years now, and a water supply company.
It promises to ensure communities benefit from major investments like HS2 and the Commonwealth Games through training, business and job opportunities as well as new facilities and housing.
This includes a new skills fund to help small businesses invest in trading and apprenticeships.
On bins the Labour leadership has already pledged, under pressure from the opposition, to retain weekly collections for four years as well as deliver long awaited improvements in recycling.
There is a promise to work with others, such as the NHS and community groups, to tackle isolation and loneliness.
And a pledge that the Commonwealth Games will not impact on council services and will leave a legacy of facilities, sport and homes for people across Birmingham.
But apart from a broad promise to create a greener and cleaner city there is no detail on plans to cut air pollution in the city centre.
Cllr Ian Ward, who was elected Labour council leader last September following the bitter bins dispute.
Conservative reaction
Conservative leader Robert Alden responded that Labour's plan would see the council build houses, but sell many off to its In Reach division which does not offer affordable rents.
"It is now clear to everyone in Birmingham what Labour's housing vision is. Labour want to privatise the largest most marketable Council Houses to a private company which will charge tenants far higher rents."
On the utility companies he added: "At a time when waste continues to pile up on our streets and the Council continues to remain unable to collect the litter and waste regularly.
"Labour plan not to invest money in cleaning up our streets but instead spend tens of millions on vanity projects like energy and water companies; despite other Councils making huge loses from running similar services".
