Ahmed Ghulam

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. 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