My name is Ahmed Ghulam, and I am standing as an Independent candidate for Perry Common Ward because I believe our community deserves a stronger, more practical, and more accountable local voice.

Full statement

I have lived and worked in Birmingham for many years and have built my professional career around solving real problems, managing projects responsibly, and working directly with residents and communities. I am not affiliated with any political party — I am standing independently so that I can represent you, not party interests.

My priorities are simple, realistic, and focused on what matters most to local people.

My commitments to you:
• To listen to residents and act on their concerns
• To be visible, accessible, and accountable throughout the year — not just at election time
• To work constructively with the council, the police, and community groups to improve daily life in Perry Common
• To always be honest about what the council can and cannot do, and how public money is being spent

My key priorities for Perry Common:
1. Safer streets and neighbourhoods
• Work with West Midlands Police and local safety teams to improve visible policing and response times
• Tackle anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, and nuisance activity that affects residents’ quality of life
• Support better lighting, CCTV where appropriate, and safer public spaces
2. Clean, well-maintained neighbourhoods
• Push for regular street cleaning, quicker waste collection responses, and stronger action against fly-tipping
• Ensure parks, pavements, and public spaces are properly maintained
• Hold contractors and the council accountable for poor-quality work
3. Fair use of public money
• Challenge wasteful spending and demand transparency in council decisions
• Support investment that delivers real value for residents, not just paperwork and consultation
• Ensure local services are funded where they make the biggest difference
4. Support for families, older residents, and the vulnerable
• Protect access to essential services such as social care, housing support, and community facilities
• Ensure residents can access help easily and are not passed between departments
• Speak up for those who do not always feel heard
5. Local voices at the heart of decision-making
• Regular surgeries and open communication with residents
• Work with community groups, faith groups, schools, and volunteers
• Ensure Perry Common is not overlooked or taken for granted

Why I am standing

I am standing because too many residents feel that their concerns are ignored, that decisions are made without proper consultation, and that accountability is lacking. I believe Perry Common deserves a councillor who is:
• Present in the community
• Willing to challenge poor decisions
• Focused on practical outcomes, not political point-scoring

I will work respectfully with all parties and organisations where it benefits residents, but I will never hesitate to speak up when something is wrong.

A clear promise

If elected, I promise to:
• Represent all residents fairly, regardless of background or political views
• Communicate openly and regularly about what I am doing on your behalf
• Always put the interests of Perry Common first

Thank you for taking the time to read my statement. I would be honoured to have your support.

Ahmed Ghulam
Independent Candidate — Perry Common Ward