Council House, Birmingham
Birmingham City Council House in Birmingham, England, is the home of Birmingham City Council, and thus the seat of local government for the city. It provides office accommodation for both employed council officers, including the Chief Executive, and elected council members, plus the council chamber, Lord Mayor's Suite, committee rooms and a large and ornate banqueting suite, complete with minstrel's gallery. The first-floor's exterior balcony is used by visiting dignitaries and victorious sports teams, to address crowds assembled below. The Council House, which has its own postcode, B1 1BB, is located in Victoria Square in the city centre and is a Grade II* listed building.
Birmingham Council House, from Victoria Square
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery & the clock tower, Big Brum
Wider view of the corner of the building from Victoria Square, looking towards Chamberlain Square and the Art Gallery
Balcony on the Council House
Birmingham City Council is the local government body responsible for the governance of the City of Birmingham in England, which has been a metropolitan district since 1974. It is the most populated local council area in the United Kingdom with 101 elected councillors representing over one million people, in 69 wards. The council headquarters are at the Council House in the city centre. The council is responsible for running nearly all local services, with the exception of those run by joint boards. The provision of certain services has in recent years been devolved to several council constituencies, which each have a constituency committee made up of councillors from that district. It is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority. On 6 September 2023, the council declared effective bankruptcy, and central government commissioners were later appointed to run the council under emergency measures.
Birmingham City Council
Common seal of the Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses of the Borough of Birmingham, used after 1838 and until 1889
Mike Whitby, leader of the council from June 2004 to May 2012
Sir Albert Bore, leader of the council from May 1999 to May 2004 and again from May 2012 to December 2015