Dudley Council approves maximum 4.8% rent increase
Dudley Council tenants will see rents rise by the maximum 4.8% from April, generating £3.9m for housing services, though most service charges will fall. Read the full details.
Dudley Council tenants will see rents rise by the maximum 4.8% from April, generating £3.9m for housing services, though most service charges will fall. Read the full details.
Council leader Karen Grinsell insists Solihull will meet its legal duty to set a balanced budget despite a forecast £2.7m deficit. Opposition raises concerns over service cuts.
NHS bosses in Birmingham warn they may not balance their books by March, with a current deficit of £45.9 million. Pay costs are the main driver. Read the latest on the financial recovery efforts.
Richborough unveils vision for 300 homes, a park, and sports facilities on green belt land near Knowle. Public consultation now open. Share your views.
Dudley Council's finance chief launches a blistering attack on Labour MPs, dismissing claims of a £76m funding boost as 'financial gaslighting'. Read the full budget clash details.
Labour opposition in Dudley calls for more preventative road spending as residents face two-month waits for pothole repairs. Council defends its maintenance strategy.
A Sandwell Council project to build 18 flats and bungalows in Tipton has exceeded its budget by £929,449 due to unforeseen regulatory and site challenges. Read the full breakdown.
Solihull Council's planning committee has refused a proposal to convert a house in Dene Court Road, Olton, into a children's home. The decision, driven by highway safety concerns, followed a petition and 38 objections. Read the full story.
Solihull planners unanimously approve a two-storey rear extension in Poundley Close, Castle Bromwich, overriding neighbour concerns over size and character. Read the full debate.
Plymouth City Council is petitioning the Government for £25.7m in extra funding to cover soaring social care costs, as it faces a £17m budget shortfall. Read the full story.
Ofsted inspectors have rated Solihull Council's children's services as 'good', marking a dramatic recovery from an 'inadequate' judgement in 2022. Council leaders are praised for making children a 'corporate priority'.
Ofsted rates Solihull's children's services 'good' for the first time, marking a major transformation since the Arthur Labinjo-Hughes tragedy. Read the full report on the council's progress.
The government has expressed disappointment over delays to Solihull's crucial housing blueprint. The council must now navigate new planning rules and an 'advisory visit' to meet its target of 8,500 homes.
A Coventry councillor will urge the authority to explore a four-day week for staff to boost morale and save money. The motion will be debated next week.
House prices in leafy Solihull have risen by over 4% in a year, with the average now £326k. Discover why this vibrant town is a top choice for families and professionals.
Property values in the affluent West Midlands town of Solihull dropped by over £25,000 on average last year, ranking it fourth nationally for price falls. Discover the latest market data and expert insights.
The findings of a crucial Ofsted inspection into Solihull's children's services are expected imminently. Council leaders await the report following a 'thorough' October assessment.
Worcestershire County Council plans to introduce car park charges at beauty spots like Worcester Woods to bridge a £72m funding gap, sparking anger from residents and visitors. Read the full story.
Staffordshire County Council, led by Reform UK, proposes a 3.99% council tax rise for 2026/27, below the 4.99% cap. Plan includes £21.5m savings and £5.5m investment in children's services.
A Rugby Borough Council panel will decide whether to ask the government to cancel May's local elections, citing a £160k saving and upcoming council reorganisation. Read the full story.
From a bitter bins strike to Labour resignations, Birmingham City Council faced a tumultuous 2025. Explore the key moments and the reasons for optimism as the city looks ahead to crucial local elections and major regeneration projects.
Solihull Council spent £35,437 defending planning appeals last year, a sharp rise from previous years. Discover the cases and outcomes that cost taxpayers thousands.
Worcestershire County Council plans to introduce parking fees at popular country parks to help fill a £70 million budget shortfall. Find out which sites are affected and the local reaction.
Storm Goretti's heavy snow has caused major disruption across Solihull, suspending bin collections and closing libraries and family hubs. Find out which services are affected and get the latest updates.
A planning application seeks to turn a four-bedroom house in Solihull into a home for two vulnerable children. The council consultation is open until February 2.
Solihull Council has significantly reduced its workforce by 158 posts, saving £2m via a paid-resignation scheme. Agency worker costs also fell by over 36%. Read the full financial scrutiny report.
Dudley Council proposes fee increases for services like pest control and cremation to add £2.5m to its budget. Key votes set for January and February 2026.
Solihull Council consults on two options for the 'significantly weakened' Barston Bridge, used by over 1,000 vehicles daily. Have your say on its future.
Solihull Council continues its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to protect rough sleepers from plummeting temperatures and the approaching Storm Goretti. Find out how to help.
Solihull Council launches consultation on a £500,000 scheme to replace temporary 'orca' kerbs with permanent ones on Blossomfield Road, aiming to boost cyclist safety and numbers. Have your say by 2 February.