Sutton Coldfield
Mark Hoath

A Longtime Resident Fighting for Sutton Coldfield

Mark Hoath, a resident of Sutton Coldfield for over 45 years, has witnessed the steady decline of the so-called ‘Royal Town’—particularly disheartening over the last two decades. As someone deeply invested in the community, Hoath is frustrated by the erosion of local amenities and the deterioration of the town's charm.

A Critical Look at Local Representation

For the past 23 years, Andrew Mitchell has served as Sutton Coldfield’s MP. During this time, the town center has faced severe neglect, with the closure of the Magistrates’ Court, the Registry Office, and an impending closure of the local police station. Despite earning £182,000 annually from consultancy work in addition to his MP salary of around £82,000 (figures reported in 2021), Mitchell’s efforts to address local issues have been lackluster. The controversy surrounding "Plebgate" in 2014 (Reference 2) further tarnished his political career.

Concerns Over National and Local Priorities

While Mitchell has been actively involved in international development, focusing on poverty reduction in Africa, he has shown less concern for the rising poverty levels in Sutton Coldfield (Reference 3). The local Labour-controlled Birmingham City Council has consistently underfunded Sutton Coldfield and recently declared itself bankrupt by issuing a section 114 notice.

Addressing Local Issues and Rebuilding the Community

Crime rates in Sutton Coldfield, particularly shoplifting, have surged to epidemic levels. At present, Mark Hoath is the only declared Prospective Parliamentary Candidate who permanently resides in Sutton Coldfield. If elected, Hoath pledges to dedicate himself fully to rebuilding the town, without engaging in secondary jobs, regardless of potential earnings.

Reform UK’s Vision for Economic and Community Revival

Hoath supports Reform UK's plan to cut business taxes, which he believes would significantly benefit local businesses, invigorate shopping areas, and attract more visitors. Additionally, he is committed to increasing the number of police officers on the streets, with Reform UK’s promise to hire 40,000 extra officers nationwide over five years.

A Local Advocate for Change

Hoath’s commitment to raising the personal tax threshold to £20,000 would provide substantial benefits to lower-income residents, allowing them to spend more locally. Hoath firmly believes that only a dedicated local advocate can drive the necessary regeneration of Sutton Coldfield, ensuring it receives the revitalization it rightfully deserves.