The Labour Run Council is struggling to pay off a huge bill for equal pay claims that dates back more than a decade. It has also had major issues with a new it system. Our Midlands Correspondent navteonhal is there. The first thing to say is that the city council here has not stopped functioning, it has a legal duty to provide Certain Services and they will continue, but this is a signal to government ofjust how dire the financial situation is here, and admission that the council here cannot pay its bills. The people i have spoken to around birmingham say they are worried about what the future may hold. But for those who have been watching the saga closely, in some ways today has felt inevitable. The pressure on this citys finances has been rising and rising, and europes biggest local authority is now in big trouble. The news that their council is, in effect, declaring itself bankrupt has left many People Living in birmingham shocked and angry. Oh my god, ive never heard of such a thin
after a cable snapped. they were traveling to school. the lift connects two communities. helicopters have been brought into assist with the rescue and we ll continue to follow that story closely. still to come, the first republican presidential debate set for wednesday. and there is a glaring omission. and the heatwave set to return for americans. intense heat will continue to build throughout the afternoon with some cities in the midwest in the triple digits. we ll let s you know where coming up after the break.