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Cllr David Taylor, Redditch (2026)

02/09/2026

* Morrisons Island update *

The large potholes on the Morrisons island will be repaired in the short term as part of the normal highways work programme.

More long term, Highways Engineers have recently assessed the roundabout, and it has now been added to the schedule to be fully resurfaced before next summer.

Both pieces of work will cause some disruption, particularly the resurfacing.

To plan your routes/routines around this, as soon as I receive a fixed date, I’ll post it on here as will WCC and other local Councillors.

*image courtesy of Google Maps

01/09/2026

* Do Councillors deserve a pay rise? *

With unitary elections approaching and with Redditch becoming part of a larger North Council, the question of councillor allowances is already being raised.

It’s something that will need to be addressed openly and transparently.

Most councillors step up because they want to help their communities. But the role is time‑consuming, often requiring time away from normal employment, which is why allowances exist.

At the moment:
* County Councillor allowance: around £12,500 plus expenses
* Redditch Borough Councillor allowance: around £4,500 plus expenses

If someone currently holds both roles (and many do) that totals roughly £17,000.

The move to a unitary authority changes the picture though. One councillor would cover a larger area, more services, and a heavier workload. So the question becomes:

Should the new unitary allowance simply match the combined £17,000, or should it be higher, or even lower?

There are different views:
* Some argue the allowance should stay close to the combined figure.
* Others believe the wider responsibilities justify an uplift.
* Some feel the role should be revalued entirely based on the scale and finances of the new authority.

We need to also bear in mind about the new salaries for officers and staff…and not forgetting that both new unitary councils will be saddled with debt, up to £500 million each.

For me the fairest approach is for an independent remuneration panel to review it and make a recommendation.

What do you think?

*image is for illustration only.

27/08/2026

* This Saturday, Matchborough Pond *

26/08/2026

* Who should get housing? *

As someone who has lived in Redditch all my life, and as an Independent Councillor, I am not tied to national party lines or Westminster nonsense. Labour and Reform are both talking a big game on housing, but their policies clash. I also say neither fully reflects what many Redditch residents tell me day‑to‑day.

This is my take, from an independent who isn’t afraid to say what others tiptoe around…

For me, British‑born residents should be first in line.

If you were born on these shores, you should be prioritised for council housing.
This is not about race, culture, or background, it is about birthplace. It seems every other country looks after its own citizens first, and I don’t think Britain should be any different.

Disabled residents must be near the top.

Disabled people already face barriers most of us never have to experience. They shouldn’t also have to fight the system for a stable home.

Single parents deserve protection, not punishment.

This is where I part ways with Reform. They want married couples prioritised. I understand the theory with stability and tradition etc..but reality is very different such as two out of three marriages are ending in divorce.

And far too many dads walk away, pay nothing, and disappear from their own child’s life.

It is mainly Single mums and they are carrying everything. They shouldn’t also be fighting for a roof over their heads because someone else abandoned their responsibilities!

In my view, and as one who has two children by two different moms, if you don’t pay for or see your children, you should be at the bottom of the housing list, and the benefits list. Step up or step off!

Of course, let’s not forget Taxpayers. We should have priority access to housing but some with limits attached.

If you contribute to the system, you should be able to access the system.
British‑born first, but taxpayers wherever they were born.

However, support should be for your immediate family only.

Not six aunties, seven uncles, and five cousins flown in from another country.
Council housing is not a free expansion pack for extended families.

This isn’t a completed list but as it’s high on the political agenda, and debate is good, it is worth the discussion.

What do you think? Who would get your priority for housing?

20/08/2026

* A guide for Assylum seekers *

I don’t care where anyone sits politically, the moment you need a leaflet explaining that r**e is wrong, something has gone seriously off the rails.

And yes, the link and images are real. I’ve checked them myself.

Now I will admit that explaining laws and rights to asylum seekers is not new and in all honesty, completely necessary. But r**e in particular should not need to be explained in such detail. In any country with any language barrier, forcing someone to have s*x is wrong.

Because of so‑called “cultural differences,” these guides are handed out to asylum seekers to make sure they understand that no means no. Think about that. We house people, feed them, give them opportunities, and then have to remind them that s*xual violence is illegal in this country.

It’s staggering.

You don’t need to be hard‑right for this to set off alarm bells. Anyone with common sense should be asking questions.
What makes it worse is that many of these leaflets have to be read aloud because a large number of asylum seekers, many here illegally, can’t speak or read English.

So what exactly is happening here? Am I being overly concerned? Or is my shock justified?

See the link below.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a84555dc9205b515d421e22/COB_summary_booklet_FINAL_web.pdf

17/08/2026

* Dolben Lane potholes *

Good to hear that most of the outrageous deepest potholes on Dolben Lane have been filled.

The images below shows just how bad they were.

I couldn’t quite believe the condition of the road surface.

Nice to also receive a thank you email from a local resident. The concerns about her mother having to negotiate them as she crossed the road was the final straw.

My moaning to County officers stepped up a gear!

Councillors don’t get to add too many happy resident posts, so this is mine 😊

17/08/2026

* Buy local, make Britain stronger *

I had a brilliant weekend at the Astwood Bank Flower Show on Saturday, followed by the Church Hill fete and fun day yesterday. What really stood out was the quality of the fresh produce and locally made goods. It’s a reminder that quality over quantity still matters and when you buy local, particularly from Redditch and Worcestershire, you know exactly where it comes from.

People often get upset about illegal boat crossings and the influx of unskilled migrants, and understandably so, I do too.

But as a nation, we also need to look closer to home. Supporting local farmers, local tradespeople, and local makers is one of the most patriotic things we can do. If we keep ordering from Shein and Temu, or buying veg flown in from Venezuela at Tesco or Sainsbury’s, then how committed are we to strengthening Britain?

Yes, buying local can cost more. And yes, immigration issues and economic choices aren’t the same debate. But if we want Britain to thrive, we should start by backing the people and businesses within our own shores, and within our own County.

The takeaway - Where you can, buy local.

29/07/2026

* At the Lake with the Police *

As planned, today at the lake, I met with the Police & Crime Commissioner John Campion and Chief Inspector Dave King from West Mercia Police to highlight local issues, specifically anti-social behaviour (ASB) around Arrow Valley Lake.

E-scooter & E-bike speeding: They completely agree this is a serious safety issue on our footpaths. They are moving forward with new signage and school outreach to educate both children and parents on the law.

FYI - Electric scooters are illegal on public highways.

Broader ASB: They have reassured me directly that active measures are being taken to address this. That said, it is not exactly the feeling I get from worried residents.

Action Plans: I am liaising with both the PCC and Chief Inspector again next week to understand the next steps.

Arrow Valley Lake is one of our absolute gems, and everyone should feel safe enjoying it. I receive far too many messages from residents who feel scared to visit, and that simply needs to change.

I will keep everyone posted as things progress.

* Images courtesy of West Mercia PCC

26/07/2026

* Redditch Volunteers - thank you *

Without our incredible voluntary sector, Redditch and possibly the entire country, would be on its knees.

Every day, selfless people dedicate their time to support the most vulnerable in our society.

I am extremely fortunate to have met and worked with so many amazing charities and dedicated support staff across our town.

As a Councilor I have the opportunity to give some small funding amounts, and keeping it local is important.

As someone who volunteers for Age UK, I also see firsthand just how vital and irreplaceable these services are to our community. I love my volunteering role and I would recommend supporting your own Community wherever you can.

To every volunteer in Redditch:

Thank you for everything you do.

Our town simply wouldn't be the same without you!

Cllr David Taylor

02/09/2026

01/09/2026

27/08/2026

26/08/2026

20/08/2026

17/08/2026

17/08/2026

29/07/2026

26/07/2026

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