Birmingham's new council leaders will have limited freedom
Government commissioners will oversee Birmingham City Council after the 2026 elections, restricting new leaders' autonomy with a strict action plan. Discover the roadmap for recovery.
Government commissioners will oversee Birmingham City Council after the 2026 elections, restricting new leaders' autonomy with a strict action plan. Discover the roadmap for recovery.
A man was stabbed on High Street in Dudley at 3:30am on Sunday, December 21. Police are investigating and appealing for witnesses. The victim's injuries are not life-threatening.
A man was taken to hospital after a stabbing on Dudley High Street in the early hours of Sunday, December 21. Police are investigating and appealing for witnesses.
UK drivers offering lifts for petrol money this December could face £2,500 fines and invalid insurance. Experts urge caution over 'simple acts of generosity'.
Plans for an Eton Star Academy sixth form in Dudley have been approved, promising 240 places. Local politicians clash over whether it's the right investment for the town's youth.
A damning report warns London's iconic black taxis could vanish by 2045. Despite a 68.6% rise in trainee drivers, Mayor Sadiq Khan is urged to act to protect the trade. Read the full story.
A planning inspector has upheld Dudley Council's refusal of an MOT centre in Brierley Hill, citing significant highway safety risks from potential pavement parking. Read the full verdict.
Dudley Council is set for a £75.9m three-year finance settlement from the Labour government. While Labour MPs hail a 'turning point', the borough's Conservative leader urges caution, saying 'the devil is in the detail'. Read the full story.
West Midlands PCC Simon Foster demands Progressive Driving Licences with night curfews and lower alcohol limits for novices to slash road deaths. Urgent call for government action.
Dudley Council's leader insists he has 'nothing to hide' as a report into a collapsed £1.65m land sale is delayed for nearly a year. Read the latest on the audit committee's concerns.
Robbie Hall, a 102-year-old Bomber Command veteran, fulfilled a lifelong dream with a glider flight over Cambridge, organised by the Taxi Charity. Read her inspiring story.
Planning Inspectorate dismisses appeal for eight apartments in Blackheath, upholding Dudley Council's refusal. The scheme was deemed too dense and a risk to pedestrian safety.
Three Wolverhampton residents have been ordered to pay a total of £7,316 for fly-tipping offences after failing to cooperate with a council investigation. Read the full story.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces VAT changes for private hire vehicles from January 2026, levelling the playing field but potentially raising fares. Find out how this affects you.
Dudley Council reports a 17% drop in emissions, but a councillor warns selling buildings to the private sector risks 'false accounting' on climate progress. Read the full debate.
A Bilston children's home must close after a planning inspector rejected an appeal against a Dudley Council enforcement notice. The home was operating without permission, causing noise and police call-outs.
A crucial debate on cutting parking charges was delayed after lengthy discussions on pub rates and council flag policy. Council leader brands debate 'bloody nonsense'.
Dudley Council faces a 300% rise in adult safeguarding cases, deploys drones against off-road bikes, and sparks a £10k spending row. Explore this week's key developments.
Warwick District Council must repay double council tax charged on second homes after admitting it 'acted outside the law'. A procedural mistake forces a costly U-turn.
Dudley Council planners are set to decide on 13 new canal-side homes in Brierley Hill, while approving one HMO and rejecting another. Read the latest local planning news.
A Dudley councillor reveals residents wait up to six months for help with potholes and home repairs due to staffing issues, not technology. Read the full investigation.
A watchdog committee hears emotional testimony alleging Dudley Council social workers lied and ignored vital emails concerning child protection. Read the full investigation.
A row erupts in Dudley as a £8,000 consultation for a new Cradley parish council is overwhelmingly rejected by residents. Calls for apologies over 'waste' of taxpayer cash. Full story.
Labour demands apology after £8,000 survey on Cradley parish council, funded as part of a Tory-Lib Dem budget deal, is overwhelmingly rejected by residents. Read the full story.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget excludes private hire from a VAT scheme, adding 20% to fares from January 2026. Experts warn of a 'taxi tax' hitting young and rural users hardest.
Dudley Council plans a tough new anti-social behaviour policy using drones, covert surveillance and mobile units to target illegal off-road bikes and nuisance neighbours. Read the full details.
Dudley Council faces a 300% surge in adult safeguarding reports over ten years, with self-neglect the top concern, while care provider market struggles. Read the full report.
Dudley Council faces a £56m SEND funding black hole despite a national budget change. Discover the local crisis and what the future holds for special needs provision.
Dudley Council awaits answers on a £56m SEND funding deficit despite a new national policy. The financial 'bomb' could still push the authority towards effective bankruptcy. Read the latest.
A motorist captured a 'huge black rectangular' craft over Dudley. No aircraft appeared on flight radar, reviving memories of the legendary 'Dudley Dorito'. See the photos.