Work is under way to build 55 new affordable homes in Tipton as part of a regeneration project set to bring wide-ranging benefits to the town centre. Sandwell Council, together with Torsion Construction Ltd, held a groundbreaking ceremony (15 October) to officially mark the start of building much-needed council homes in Union Street. Town centre businesses are open as usual throughout the works. Artist impression of new homes being built in Union Street, Tipton – ONE Creative environments (ONE) The development forms part of the town’s regeneration programme, with the council working to regenerate under-used land, improve public spaces and…

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…

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…

Adult carers in Wolverhampton are being encouraged to complete a national survey if they are contacted to do so. The Personal Social Services Survey of Adult Carers in England takes place every 2 years, with the latest getting underway this month. It will select a random sample of people who are, or were, a carer for someone aged 18 or over during the last 12 months. The Department of Health and Social Care survey seeks to find out whether services received by carers aged 18 and over are helping them in their caring role and their life outside of caring,…

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…

The council has been making use of a specialist machine to help repair hundreds more potholes across the city. The Velocity Patcher provides a quick and effective way of protecting roads from water and frost – the main causes of surface defects. Each repair can be completed in a matter of minutes. It sees a blend of bitumen and chippings passed through a hose at high speed to fill potholes and seal them in. A further 559 potholes have been repaired on Wolverhampton’s roads using the Velocity Patcher during a trial period – and the council will keep future use…

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…