London-Preet Kaur Gill, Labour MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, has invited residents of Woodgate and Bartley Green to play a direct role in shaping the future of their community, announcing a major public consultation linked to a £20 million local investment. Emphasising transparency and people-led decision-making, Gill said the funding must reflect the real needs and priorities of local residents rather than being decided “behind closed doors.”
The proposed investment is aimed at addressing long-standing local challenges and improving quality of life across the area. Residents are being asked to share their views on how the funding should be allocated, with three key priority areas identified: strengthening community and youth provision, creating safer and greener outdoor spaces, and boosting jobs and skills opportunities. According to Gill, these areas are critical to tackling social inequality, improving neighbourhood safety, and ensuring long-term economic resilience.
Speaking about the initiative, Gill underlined the importance of community participation in public spending decisions. She noted that those who live and work in Woodgate and Bartley Green understand best what changes would make a meaningful difference, whether that means better youth facilities, improved parks and public spaces, or training and employment pathways for local people.
The consultation forms part of a broader push to empower communities and rebuild trust in local governance by ensuring residents have a genuine voice in how public money is used. Gill has urged all eligible residents to take part, stressing that wide participation will help ensure the final investment plan is inclusive and responsive to diverse local needs.
Residents of Woodgate are encouraged to submit their views through the online consultation form, with Gill reiterating that every response will help shape decisions on how the £20 million is ultimately spent. The consultation is open now, giving the community a rare opportunity to directly influence investment priorities that could define the area’s development for years to come.