Dudley Council's turbulent 2025: Budget, protests & politics
Dudley Council battled a £42m financial crisis, political defections, and protests over asylum seeker housing in a tumultuous 2025. Explore the key events shaping the borough's future.
Category : Search result: Worcestershire County Council budget
Scala Theatre renovation costs rise by £590,000
Worcester City Council approves extra funding for the Scala Theatre renovation, citing fire safety and National Insurance costs. The £16.2m project remains on track for its 2026 opening.
Warwickshire On-Street Parking Charges to Increase in 2026
Warwickshire County Council approves higher on-street parking tariffs for Leamington, Warwick, Stratford, and Kenilworth from April 2026. Find out the new costs and the debate behind them.
Councillor's cancer fight inspires Rugby health reform
Councillor Jerry Roodhouse uses his personal cancer journey to champion a new health partnership for Rugby, aiming for local, compassionate care. The motion won unanimous support.
Kidsgrove Flooding Forces Children into Road for 8 Years
Residents in Kidsgrove battle persistent flooding for over eight years, forcing schoolchildren into the road and damaging homes. Authorities promise action.
Staffordshire Council to save £2.67m in efficiency review
Staffordshire County Council's Reform UK-led efficiency review identifies £2.67 million in savings, impacting mobile libraries, voluntary sector contracts, and concessionary fares. Details of the financial strategy to be published in January.
Village objects to six bungalows on 'inappropriate' site
Residents and parish councillors in Charlton, Worcestershire, strongly oppose plans for six bungalows on agricultural land, citing traffic and sustainability concerns. Read the full story.
Four bungalows planned for disused Worcestershire pub car park
A developer has submitted plans to build four dormer bungalows on the former car park of The Coventry Arms in Upton Snodsbury, a site vacant since 2017. Read the latest on this brownfield development.
Key Worcestershire Construction Projects Advancing in 2026
From Worcester's Scala arts hub to the Sixways stadium revamp, discover the major construction projects set to transform Worcestershire in 2026. Explore the key dates and details.
Avian Flu Confirmed in Worcestershire Poultry
A highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreak has been confirmed at a commercial poultry site near Alvechurch. Protection zones are in place. Read the latest.
Drivers still unaware of Highway Code changes after 4 years
New data reveals most UK drivers are not following crucial Highway Code updates designed to protect pedestrians and cyclists. Learn the rules and watch the new safety video.
Clent: A Peaceful West Midlands Village Escape
Discover Clent, a serene Worcestershire village just 10 miles from Birmingham. Offering stunning Clent Hills walks, panoramic views, and a cosy food scene, it's the perfect 2026 getaway.
Village school shrinks capacity as families flee HS2 disruption
Water Orton Primary School is set to reduce its yearly intake from 45 to 30 pupils by 2027. Local MP Rachel Taylor blames HS2 disruption for families leaving the area. Read the full story.
Shoplifters Sing 'Santa Baby' During Christmas Theft
A pair of brazen shoplifters were caught on CCTV singing 'Santa Baby' while stealing from a Worcestershire family shop. Owners Catherine and Patrick Badham were horrified by the festive theft.
New 30mph limit proves effective in Hertfordshire village
Data shows a 14% drop in speeds on the B197 after a new 30mph limit was introduced. Council leaders hail the change for creating a safer, calmer road environment for residents and school children.
Warwickshire Council Leader Defies Vote on School Transport
Warwickshire's Reform UK leader vows to ignore council vote demanding he withdraw a letter to government seeking powers to cut school transport costs. Opposition unites against the move.
Birmingham's Harborne Day Centre to become food store
Birmingham City Council approves sale of former Harborne Day Centre site for a new food store, part of property sales to tackle financial crisis. Read the full story.
£20m redevelopment for Malvern Theatres set for 2026
Malvern Theatres is set for a landmark £20 million redevelopment in 2026, funded by the government's Levelling Up Fund. The project will deliver a new studio theatre, improved accessibility, and a community amphitheatre. Read more about this exciting cult
Calls to reverse Dudley's grit bin policy
Campaigners demand Dudley Council reinstates 500 removed grit bins, warning the cost-cutting move risks safety on icy hills. Read the full story and see the petition.
Warwickshire leader claims big investors coming amid parking row
Warwickshire Council leader George Finch insists 'big investors' are being secured to revive town centres, amid a heated debate over rising on-street parking charges. Read the full story.
Leicestershire Households Get £170 Supermarket Vouchers
Struggling families in Leicestershire can claim up to £170 in free supermarket vouchers via the DWP's Household Support Fund. Find out if you're eligible and how to apply.
A gorgeous village near Birmingham stole my heart
Discover a perfect countryside escape just an hour from Birmingham. This writer's weekend in a Worcestershire hamlet and the Cotswolds offers idyllic walks, cosy shops, and delicious food.
Dudley Council's £75.9m funding sparks political debate
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.
Council adds security after protest over racist posts
Staffordshire County Council deployed extra guards after a Reform UK-led meeting was disrupted by protesters demanding resignations over alleged racist social media posts. Read the latest.
DWP Support Fund Pauses for Christmas Break
The DWP's Household Support Fund will pause on 19th December, with payments not restarting until 5th January 2026. Leicestershire residents are urged to check eligibility for food and fuel vouchers.
Birmingham Council gets major funding boost after bankruptcy
Birmingham City Council secures a massive £651.5m funding increase over five years as part of a new £78bn government settlement targeting deprived areas. Read the full story.
Headmaster's festive Mission Impossible spoof goes viral
Malvern College head Keith Metcalfe stars in a hilarious Mission Impossible parody to announce the end of term. Watch the two-minute festive film now!
Explore Chaddesley Corbett: A Historic West Midlands Gem
Discover Chaddesley Corbett, a Worcestershire village with Saxon roots, a 12th-century church, and timeless charm. Plan your countryside escape today.
AI for social workers: Council explores tech amid concerns
Worcestershire County Council is investigating AI to ease social workers' admin burden, but councillors warn professional judgement must be preserved. Read the latest.
Vulnerable woman died after being left alone in toilet
A vulnerable woman on 24-hour watch died after being left alone in a toilet at a Grimsby mental health facility. The inquest heard of multiple failings in her care.
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