Bordesley Green, Birmingham — 5th September A powerful new chapter has begun in Bordesley Green with the official launch of Community Plaza, a centre designed to tackle inequality, reduce crime, and bring people together. The launch night drew a crowd of more than 250 local residents, families, and community leaders. The atmosphere was filled with energy and optimism as people gathered to show their support. Among the guests were the Crime Commissioner Simon Foster who also presented Mohammed Zafran 50th Golden Achievement Award on behalf of Asian World Newspaper, Alan Edwards regional manager for West Midlands Crimestoppers, who joined the…

Visiting housing tenants and asking them how they are has been the focus of an intensive week of activity by Birmingham City Council. Housing officers have visited around 2,000 council tenants in just one week to check in with people, to get to know them face-to-face and to ensure they are receiving the support they need. Officers visiting properties have been able to refer tenants for financial advice, identify potential savings on energy costs, determine if properties or gardens require any repair work, and identify tenants interested in being involved on local tenant boards. The visits are an opportunity for…

Birmingham City Council tenants are enjoying discounts at over 100 national retailers, thanks to a new money-saving app called Housing Perks. Earlier in the year, the council conducted a trial partnership with Housing Perks. This app provides tenants with exclusive offers and discounts at retailers such as Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Morrisons, and Argos. During the trial around 5,000 tenants downloaded the app, which generated savings for these households of £17,722. The trial has been a success, and the council is looking to continue with Housing Perks while implementing a new feature where tenants are able to put their savings towards rent…

Birmingham City Council is backing the UK-wide campaign for Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week 2025, taking place from 30 June to 6 July. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the impact of ASB, support victims, and promote stronger, safer neighbourhoods for all. The week, led by community safety organisation Resolve, is supported by the UK Government, Local Government Association, police and fire services, housing providers, and community partners across the country. As part of the city’s contribution to this year’s campaign, Birmingham City Council is launching a series of actions under the theme #MakingCommunitiesSafer, with a strong focus on:…

Birmingham City Council is backing a national campaign to reduce knife crime by encouraging residents to surrender dangerous weapons anonymously and safely. As part of the national knife surrender scheme running from 1 to 31 July 2025, residents are urged to dispose of knives and other dangerous weapons using dedicated surrender bins across Birmingham, designated police stations, and a mobile van unit – all without fear of prosecution. In Birmingham, a mobile weapons surrender van will be stationed at Handsworth Park car park on Wednesday 2 July from 9am to 12pm. Residents can surrender knives and any other dangerous weapons…

Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together, a bold vision setting out the shared ambitions of the city, its partners and citizens, and the Corporate Plan setting out the council’s priorities, were approved. Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together (SBFT) approved at full council (17 June 2025) – which is a partnership plan for the next decade – aims to address challenges, grasp opportunities and tackle inequalities Birmingham and its residents face. This vision – produced through consulting and engaging partners and communities across Birmingham and which will be delivered by working closely with city partners – is for Birmingham to be a city that…

Vulnerable families in Birmingham in need of temporary accommodation will benefit from the acquisition of a property in the city. Birmingham City Council has purchased Washington Court, which it intends to use to provide suitable temporary accommodation for several families in need of a home. The council expects to complete the necessary work to prepare the building for use in the latter half of 2026. Once ready, the building will feature dedicated one-on-one support to help families find permanent homes. Councillor Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said: “Providing warm, safe, suitable accommodation for everyone who needs it…

Access to more affordable homes, increased funding for schools and their pupils, and investment in Birmingham’s transport networks are among the Chancellor’s spending priorities. These headlines come from the Government’s Spending Review, which unveiled on 11 June, outlining their spending plans for the next three years. Finance officers are assessing what the Chancellor’s announcement means for the council’s own finances and services and the picture will become clearer later in the year. Cllr John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “I welcome this Spending Review, and I’m encouraged the Chancellor has included funding for projects like the extension of…

Birmingham has been recognised as one of 112 cities across the globe that is taking bold leadership on environmental action and transparency. The city has kept it’s ‘A List’ status, awarded by globally-recognised non-profit environment impact group CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project). It annually publishes its ‘A List’ of cities that build climate momentum, taking four times as many climate mitigation and adaptation measures as non-A Listers. CDP has announced its scores for 2024, with only 15 per cent of cities that were scored receiving an A score. To score an A, among other actions, a city must disclose publicly through…

Fitness Centre as a lasting legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. As the custodians of the Games’ community legacy — and of course, the much-loved mascot Perry the Bull — we are thrilled to see these facilities come to life for local residents. These improvements represent more than just bricks and mortar; they are a catalyst for stronger community engagement, healthier lifestyles, and greater access to sport and recreation for all. We can’t wait to see the positive impact they will have in the years to come.” Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director for Place, Sport England, said: “The legacy of…