We do not have unlimited capital. If we cannot make the new library sustainable for future generations we are providing a maintenance timebomb.

Birmingham is participating in a national programme of commemorations to mark the bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar in October.

I am delighted that we have found money for the refurbishment of many of our leisure facilities, including Wyndley Swimming Pool, one of the busiest in the region.

It’s like a major sporting event you’re competing in. You’re prepared and you know you’re the best you can be, but you never know until it’s all played out.

We used to see a very large growth in our ground business,

It is now more significant in the air business which requires us to lease planes for a short period of time to meet a significant spike in our air business.