Sandwell Council is exploring online digital solutions for unpaid carers that provide information, guidance, advice and support at times when standard services are not available. Some of the £300,000 funding secured from the Department of Health and Social Care’s Accelerated Reform Fund has enabled our Adult Social Care team commission Bridgit Care – which is an online platform designed to offer localised content tailored to the needs of carers 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Interactive workshops took place during May aimed at giving carers hands-on access to test the new website, with insights shared with the…

People are being encouraged to share their views as the City of Wolverhampton Council recommissions local specialist domestic abuse support services. The council wants to hear from local residents, people affected by domestic abuse, and professionals from across Wolverhampton to help shape priorities and intentions for the new services to ensure they are effective, accessible and respond to local need. Domestic abuse specialist support services provide victims of domestic abuse with practical help, advice, and guidance. In Wolverhampton, support is available to women, men, and children who are either living in the community or in accommodation such as a refuge.…

Walsall Council’s planning service has been recognised for its significant progress and transformation following a recent Planning Peer Challenge conducted by the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) in March 2025. The Peer Challenge, held from 5–7 March at the Council’s invitation, provided an independent and honest assessment of the planning service’s performance. The findings highlighted a service that has made substantial strides since its last review in 2021, evolving into a high-performing, customer-focused operation that consistently exceeds national targets. “ We are very proud of the progress our planning service has made. This recognition…

Approximately 4,500 people gathered at Walsall Arboretum on Saturday 5 July for the Bostin’ Black Country Bash, an all-day festival celebrating the rich cultural and geological heritage of the Black Country with live music, family entertainment, and local pride on full display. The free event marked the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO Global Geoparks network, with the Black Country proudly recognised as one of its prestigious members. The designation reflects the region’s international significance in shaping the Industrial Revolution and its ongoing global legacy. Other Geoparks globally include the North Pennines, Ore of the Alps in Austria, the Azores and…

Young performers from across Wolverhampton will raise the roof of the city’s premier music venue with a series of concerts next week. Wolverhampton Summer Sounds is a four-night celebration of musical talent taking place at the Wulfrun Hall, University of Wolverhampton at The Halls, from Tuesday 15 July to Friday 18 July. Over 4 nights, 400 members of the Youth Choir, Concert String Orchestra, Keyboard Ensemble, Fusion Fives, Big Top SEND Ensemble, Bhangra Fusion Percussion, the Primary and Secondary Rock ‘n’ Pop groups, Guitar Group, Concert Wind Band, New Wind, Early Strings, New Strings, Jazz Big Band, Youth Wind Orchestra…

Sandwell Council continues to lead the way in maintaining roads and tackling potholes according to latest public satisfaction surveys. More investment is planned – more than £15million this financial year – to keep on top of these priority issues for residents and other road users. The percentage of residents satisfied with road maintenance in Sandwell is more than double the local government benchmark, according to latest research. And another recent survey put Sandwell in the top three local authorities nationally for the way it deals with potholes, and in the top 10 nationally for seven highway maintenance categories. Sandwell Council…

As we take a moment to wish everyone a Happy Black Country Day on Monday 14 July, Sandwell Council wants everyone to look to the future. Black Country Day has been celebrated for over a decade to honour and celebrate the heritage, history, culture and uniqueness of the people of the Black Country. Whilst inevitably the festival looks back on our proud industrial heritage, this year Sandwell Council looks forward to the future. Our region cradled the industrial revolution which powered first Britain and then the world. So, what will our role be in the future? That is the question…

An Amber heat health alert has been issued for Wolverhampton and the West Midlands with temperatures forecast to climb to more than 30C this weekend. It will be in force from 12pm today (Friday 11 July, 2025) until 9am on Tuesday 14 July, 2025, with the warmest weather forecast to climb to over 30C over the next 48 hours. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns that the hot weather is likely to bring increased pressures on health and social care services, could lead to a possible rise in deaths – particularly among those aged 65 or over or with…

Companies House starts to verify identities The introduction of identity verification is one of the key changes to UK company law under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The introduction of identity verification is one of the key changes to UK company law under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. This landmark legislation gave Companies House new and enhanced powers to help disrupt economic crime and support economic growth. Identity verification will provide more assurance about who is setting up, running, owning and controlling companies in the UK. There will be the same level of assurance…

left to right, are Alison Baggs, Participation Officer, Sarah Reynolds, SEND Early Identification, Helen Taylor, Head of SEND and Inclusion, Shama Hussain, Chloe Lambert, Ellie Parker Brewer and Ne-yo Makombe, all HY5! ambassadors, Alison Hinds, Co Chair SEND and Inclusion Partnership Board, Ellis Lees Griffiths and Dhiren Kumar, both HY5! ambassadors, Andrew Scragg, Participation Officer, Megan Baynham, Kieran Smith-Mills and Harman Kambo, all HY5! ambassadors, Paul Tulley, Co Chair SEND and Inclusion Partnership Board, Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, Dr Cathy Higgins, Divisional Medical Director/Consultant Paediatrician, Pate Tate, SEND…