The Local Government Boundary Commission wants to hear what residents and local organisations think about the proposals. The Commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries. It is reviewing Sandwell to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements will help the council work effectively. The Commission has published proposals for changes to Sandwell. It is proposing that there should be 72 councillors representing 24 three-councillor wards. Most ward boundaries should change; one will stay the same. Proposed changes include: Adopting the Halesowen Conservative Association’s proposals for the Rowley Regis area to…
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A partnership of different voluntary, community and statutory sectors marked six years of fostering community cohesion with a celebration event at The Walsall Hub. Walsall for All’s celebration event on 26 February 2025 highlighted the partnership’s journey and its transition into an independent community interest company (CIC). The celebration featured the launch of the Walsall Community Cohesion Strategy 2025-2035, which is aimed at creating a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous community. Developed between Walsall Council and Walsall for All, the strategy represents a significant milestone in Walsall for All’s ongoing efforts for Walsall to be a friendly and diverse borough.…
Oswald Clarke and Emma Price Two individuals who exploited vulnerable residents across the Heath Town area of Wolverhampton have been served with injunctions by the County Court. Oswald Clarke, aged 61 and of no fixed abode, and Emma Price, 39, also of no fixed abode, targeted vulnerable people, and coerced or threatened them to get into and take control of their properties, where they would then supply and use of class A controlled drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine. The Court heard that Clarke in particular would threaten and intimidate the residents, often supplying them with drugs to persuade…
Wolverhampton will join the nation in a day of reflection to mark the fifth anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic on Sunday (9 March, 2025). The day will remember the pandemic, and its impact on communities across the UK, with people invited to come together to reflect on this unique period of our history as well as their own experiences. The day will be an opportunity for the public to remember and commemorate those who lost their lives during the pandemic, reflect on the sacrifices made and the impact it had on their daily lives, and pay tribute to the work…
The government has released the annual rough sleeping figures for the country and despite supporting more people who are sleeping rough into safe and secure housing than the previous year, Solihull’s official figure for rough sleeping is 12 people, double last year’s figure of six. The national rough sleeping figures are produced annually as a snapshot by every local authority in the country on a single night in autumn. It is recorded annually in this way in order to monitor rough sleeping patterns year on year and region by region. Alongside this snapshot, Solihull Council tracks patterns and numbers of…
Walsall Council, together with the Walsall Community Network, is hosting a special event to celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday 7 March 2025. The event hosted at the Brownhills Community Association, WS8 7JE, from 12:30am to 2:30 pm, will focus on promoting inclusivity, women’s resilience, and the diverse career journeys of women. Aligned with this year’s global theme, “Accelerate Action,” the event aims to foster collective efforts to drive meaningful change and promote inclusivity. Over 20 leads from voluntary organisations and community groups across the borough are expected to attend. Among the inspirational speakers will be two speakers from the…
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…