An online tool enabling users to question local politicians directly is now live on the Birmingham Mail’s website.

Called Yoosk, it lets visitors to birminghammail.net/yoosk put questions directly to councillors and public figures and then vote for which ones they would most like to see answered.

Visitors can then rate and comment on answers after they’re posted online as either video, audio or text.

The service has already been used nationally with David Miliband and Peter Mandelson among those to have taken part and now the Ministry of Justice has contributed funding to Yoosk for the pilot scheme dedicated to Birmingham residents.

Mail editor Steve Dyson said: “The Birmingham Mail has always taken pride in fighting for its readers and holding local politicians to account.

“We know from talking to readers on a daily basis that they have many questions about the council and the services it provides which they would like answers to.

“Teaming up with Yoosk means we can now provide an easy way for readers to get those answers.”