Sandwell Council’s 2025/2026 budget has been approved by full council. At a meeting on Tuesday (25 February), councillors approved: £366million of spending on services that serve 344,000 residents, plus £140million of investment on capital projects, and a further £78million of investment in the council’s housing stock. Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance Councillor Paul Moore told the meeting: “Almost 60 per cent of our budget is spent on Adult Social Care and Children’s Services and Education – supporting the elderly, the vulnerable, the disabled and our children and young people. “This is a budget that makes sure we are…

A new Family Helpline was launched on Monday 3rd of March to support families in Solihull. Families and people working with parents and children in the borough are encouraged to call 0121 788 4327 to access support. The phone line will be available between Monday-Thursday 09:00-16:30, and Friday 09:00-16:00. A dedicated team of experts will be able to provide advice on key Early Help topics, ranging from parenting guidance and child development to school attendance and support in coordinating Early Help assessments and plans. Support also involves signposting to local services such as the Solihull Family Hubs, managing child behavioural issues, ensuring…

Nathan and his manager for Supported Internship, Gary. More than 700 residents received support from Solihull Council’s Employment and Skills Team in 2024 with more than a third of them age 16-24. Nathan was one of them. Nathan signed up for the Supported Internship programme which aims to help young people aged 16 and over with an Education, Health and Care Plan to gain essential skills for work. He enjoyed his placement in a Council’s warehouse building equipment such as wheelchairs which can make someone’s everyday life easier. Nathan said: “Unlike my previous work experience, the placement felt like a…

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, with contact details for the Shop a Tipper scheme City of Wolverhampton Council is issuing the stern warning as it continues its crackdown on fly tipping and those who fail to assist with enquiries. In the latest prosecution brought by the council, Eric Kwansah, of Byrne Road, Blakenhall, was found guilty in his absence of one obstruction charge under section 110 of The Environment Act 1995, for failing to comply with investigating officers’ requests for assistance. Dudley Magistrates Court fined Kwansah £400 during the hearing on…

Walsall residents are being reminded of the simple actions they can take to reduce the spread of norovirus, with the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data showing that norovirus cases continue to rise across the country. Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but symptoms usually go away within a few days. Symptoms of norovirus start suddenly within one to two days of being infected. This includes feeling sick (nausea), diarrhoea, being sick (vomiting), a high temperature, a headache and aching arms or legs. The virus can be transmitted easily from…

At the World Book Day celebration at Whitmore Reans Library are Cassie Chadderton, Chief Executive of World Book Day, Elisabeth Whitehouse, Assistant Librarian, pupils from West Park Primary School and Warinder Juss MP Over 100 children from local schools joined library staff to celebrate World Book Day at a special event at Whitmore Reans Library. Key Stage 1 pupils from Dunstall Hill Primary, West Park Primary and SS Peter and Paul Primary came along to choose their books, hear a talk from author Nadia Shireen and take part in an illustration workshop run by Vivian Trogg, the illustrator for…

The group of young people received their certificates on 19 January at the KIC Radio studios A community grant has supported 10 budding radio presenters and producers in Walsall to develop their skills in digital media. KIC Radio, a youth organisation and radio station based in Pelsall, received funding from Walsall Council’s community grants programme to deliver a Level 1 Award in skills for working in digital industries. The training has upskilled a cohort of young people with all the technical skills needed in the digital media sector, including radio production and editing, podcast creation and digital marketing. KIC Radio…

Subaru UK has announced the development of its dealer network, with five new strategic retailer appointments across England and Wales. The appointments during Q1 2025 enhance the brand’s coverage in key regional areas, building on Subaru’s momentum of recent years, and reinforcing its commitment to future growth. The latest additions to the retailer network – which has built a reputation for sustained excellence and dedication over decades – will enable more customers than ever before to have easy access to Subaru’s personalised dealership experience. This strategically planned network development follows a successful 2024 for the brand, which saw Subaru pass…

Image from go.walsall.gov.uk People of Walsall are set to benefit from a transformative programme of regeneration and growth in their community with £20 million of government funding confirmed on Monday 3 March. As part of the national Plan for Change to ensure people in every corner of the country benefit from the government’s ambitious growth agenda, Walsall’s local leaders have been working closely with the Department on the Community Regeneration Partnership programme to develop a bespoke package of funding that will kickstart a range of projects to boost the community, tackle local issues and address inequalities. The town centre…

Deputy Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Craig Collingswood (front), the Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council Councillor Stephen Simkins (standing left), councillors, youth councillors and other young people came together in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre Members of the City of Wolverhampton Youth Council and other youth groups found out about local politics at a replica Full Council meeting. Deputy Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Craig Collingswood, the Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, Councillor Stephen Simkins, councillors, youth councillors and other young people came together in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre. The mock Full…