Every year, Sandwell Council is legally required to set a balanced budget and the authority is now looking at the money available to spend next year. A consultation is now open to give residents, businesses and voluntary organisations the chance to have their say on proposals and what their priorities are for 2026/27. The survey gives people the chance to tell the council where they think the council should prioritise spending, where savings should be made and what could be done differently. Sandwell Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources Councillor Paul Moore said: “It has been…

The Sandwell community came together for a charity penalty shootout aimed at raising awareness of youth mental health and encouraging local engagement through sport and wellbeing. The event took place on Sunday 26 October 2025 at York Road Sports and Social Club in Sandwell, drawing families and football fans from across Sandwell and Oldbury for a day filled with laughter, friendly competition, and community spirit. It was organised by Wellness Education, the non-profit arm of Active Clinics — a Birmingham-based wellness and aesthetics clinic founded by Sandwell resident Tammy Takkar. Active Clinics specialises in advanced, non-surgical treatments for recovery, performance,…

Sandwell Council has published its Annual Housing Report for Tenants and Leaseholders 2025 and Annual Complaints Report. These give residents a clear update on progress and improvements made over the past year. Following the Regulator of Social Housing’s C3 judgement in October 2024, the council has taken decisive action to raise standards. The Housing Report highlights: Stock condition surveys being carried out on all Sandwell homes A new contract in place to deal with the outstanding backlog of home repairs A new housing management system to track repairs more effectively £46.7million invested in modernising homes 8,891 home checks completed to…

A Wolverhampton charity is launching a new scheme to help residents in the city learn skills which could change their lives, while restoring unwanted bicycles. Hope Community Project has created Heath Town Spokes and Skills – a 6 week programme focusing primarily on bike mechanics and maintenance, which will restore bikes donated through the council’s Too Good to Chuck scheme. But it will go far beyond that by empowering people to build skills, confidence, friendships and potentially even gain employment. It’ll also strengthen communities, as it brings people together. It is the latest scheme under the council’s City Homemakers banner…

BIRMINGHAM, UK — A Birmingham community organisation has unveiled a new discount card designed to help residents save money while strengthening local businesses across the West Midlands. Desire Community Hub (DCH), based in Balsall Heath, has launched the Community Saver Card, which offers exclusive discounts and special offers from a wide network of participating local traders. DCH has become a vital part of the local landscape since opening its doors more than three years ago. The hub provides free IT and English courses, sewing workshops, coaching sessions, and regular coffee mornings. Its wider mission focuses on youth engagement, knife crime…

A new Sandwell Story display has been installed at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital (MMUH) Winter Gardens as part of the hospital’s first anniversary celebrations. Sharing portraits of local families from across Sandwell’s six towns, the display helps tell Sandwell’s story of the communities that the UK’s newest hospital is part of. “We are delighted to see these portraits displayed at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, after it opened its doors for communities across the borough a year ago,” said Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Leader of Sandwell Council. She added: “They are a striking reminder of the families who are living, working…

City of Wolverhampton Council has announced a new parking offer to support the city centre’s night time businesses. From today (Wednesday 15 October) free car parking will be on offer on Broad Street car park between 5pm and 5am during the busy autumn and festive period. Broad Street car park is the city centre’s most widely used night time economy car park – vital to both visitors and workers. From Monday, 5 January new flat rate of £2 from 5pm to 5am will be introduced – still a big reduction on current rates. The evening and night time economy across…

The City of Wolverhampton Council’s Public Health team has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award, recognising its commitment to practitioner registration and developing a highly skilled workforce dedicated to improving health and reducing inequalities. The UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) Employer of the Year Award celebrates employers which, through practical support for practitioner registration, contribute directly to the implementation of policies and strategies that improve public health and wellbeing. Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “We are incredibly proud that our Public Health team has been recognised at a national level. This shortlisting not…

This year, there will be festive markets and Christmas lights switch-on event in Walsall town centre, organised by Walsall Council, sponsored by AR Demolitions in partnership with Walsall MakerFest Fringe. Taking place at three locations across the town centre including, The Crossing at St Paul’s, The Bridge and The New Art Gallery Walsall, it promises to be an afternoon and evening full of festive fun and entertainment. The event will take place on Saturday 29 November 2025 with festivities starting at 11am and will include a Christmas Makers’ Market, live performances of music and dance, and creative festive workshops. Illuminate…

Anayah Hussain, who attended Rockwood Academy has been a shining star at Alum Rock Football Academy. Her hard work and talent have now caught the eye of Aston Villa U18’s. We couldn’t be prouder of Anayah. Starting out here in her local area, she has become (and will continue to be) a positive role model for other young girls who aspire to play football. From a young age, before she even turned 10, she began nurturing her football dreams by playing at home with her brothers. These early kickabouts sparked her passion for the sport and set her on the…