Although the full picture following last week's local election - in the sense of what the results will mean for Birmingham's residents more broadly, and for the city's Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector more specifically - has yet to fully emerge, of one thing we can be certain: Birmingham's political environment has changed significantly.

You can see the full sweep of results here: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50382/2026_elections

The Council is now in a situation of 'no overall control' which means that no single party has sufficient seats to command a majority. The shifts and complexities inherent in the new political landscape will be uncomfortable for many communities traditionally served and supported by the voluntary sector. This is something we'll all need to be mindful of as we work out how to engage with a changed Council makeup in the longer term.

In the immediate term, it must be business as usual for our sector: continuing to focus on delivering our aims and serving our beneficiaries. Organisations which receive Council funding should continue to engage with commissioners and accountable officers, and should pick up any issues of immediate concern with them.

BVSC will be continuing to engage strategically with Council leaders and members and will provide updates as soon as we are aware of them.