Solihull 2025 Planning Appeals: Wins and Losses
A look back at the key planning appeals in Solihull for 2025, where residents challenged council refusals. Discover which decisions were overturned by the government inspector.
A look back at the key planning appeals in Solihull for 2025, where residents challenged council refusals. Discover which decisions were overturned by the government inspector.
A Birmingham landlord urges locals to support their pub this Christmas as closures hit 'unprecedented rate' and business rates threaten a 15% hike. Protect your local.
Shirebrook Town Council left unable to function after 11 councillors quit. Bolsover District Council appoints temporary members to restore operations. Read the full story.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Gloucester City Council faces a 'financial black hole' and is applying for up to £17.5m in emergency government loans to avoid effective bankruptcy, with severe cuts to services planned.
Government commissioners will oversee Birmingham City Council until at least 2028. The ongoing bins strike and equal pay liabilities are key challenges slowing the council's recovery.
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.
Facing a £2.7m debt, Solihull Council is investing over £630,000 in an AI programme to generate significant savings, following the lead of other local authorities.
Dudley taxpayers foot an £8,000 bill for a feasibility study, with over 80% of Cradley residents voting against a new parish council. Discover the political fallout.
Kent communities welcome a new council funding model based on current need, ending the outdated system that left areas like Dover and Deal struggling. Discover how this change will impact local services.
Plans to merge Balsall and Berkswell Parish Councils are progressing to a second consultation. Despite 80% of respondents backing the move, concerns remain over low public engagement and the proposed number of councillors.
John Ward, 76, says his Stirchley greengrocer J&H Ward beats supermarkets on price and quality. He warns the community must support him now or the shop will close for good.
Worcestershire County Council paid PwC £325,000 to devise 'One Worcestershire' unitary authority plans. The controversial cost was revealed during a scrutiny panel meeting.
Millions of UK households face council tax hikes of up to 10% as Labour considers removing the referendum requirement. Discover how this affects you.
Solihull Council proposes changes to its council tax support scheme, with 470 vulnerable claimants facing an average £6 weekly reduction. Have your say in the consultation.
Hemel Hempstead Rotary's beloved Santa Sleigh is back, visiting 25 routes across the area. Meet Santa, get a free photo, and support local causes that have raised over £130,000. Find your local schedule now!
The Fun Walk Trust's 2024 event raised a record-breaking £121,000 for local causes, the highest in its 23-year history. Discover how this community triumph benefits Essex.
Solihull councillors receive a conduct reminder after public complaints, though grievances have fallen for the third consecutive year. Read the latest report details.
85-year-old artist William Newton discusses his lifetime in art, famous admirers like Madonna, and his new exhibition at Brentwood Library. Hear his inspiring interview and see his work.
New figures reveal 3.7 million people receive Council Tax Reduction, but many more eligible households are missing out on vital savings. Age UK explains eligibility and how to claim.
A controversial five-bedroom luxury home in Solihull's Dorridge area gets planning approval. The planning chief expressed disappointment but found no grounds for refusal.
Boost your Christmas shopping in Hinckley with free Saturday parking in selected town centre car parks on four key dates. Support local businesses and save money this festive season.
A Solihull binman is hailed a local hero after a viral TikTok video captures him meticulously cleaning the streets. Residents demand recognition and a raise for his exceptional work ethic.
MPs reveal state pensioners with mobility issues may use Blue Badge spaces without permits. Check your local council's rules and potential parking benefits now.
A once-neglected alleyway in North Ormesby has been transformed into a vibrant community space through resident collaboration. Discover how local families and artists created beautiful murals.