West Midlands Police faces £41m cuts, officer losses
West Midlands Police could lose £41.1m in funding by 2026, risking 520 officers and neighbourhood policing. Commissioner warns of a 'postcode lottery' and urges government action.
West Midlands Police could lose £41.1m in funding by 2026, risking 520 officers and neighbourhood policing. Commissioner warns of a 'postcode lottery' and urges government action.
West Midlands Police could lose £41.1m in funding, risking further cuts to officers. Crime Commissioner Simon Foster warns of a 'postcode lottery' and fewer police on streets.
Whitehaven-based startup ScrubMarine has raised over $1m in pre-seed funding to develop its autonomous 'Turtle and Whale' robot system for cleaning ship hulls, tackling biofouling and cutting emissions.
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.
Redrow South Midlands' Community Fund has awarded £2,600 to three Cambridgeshire organisations, supporting youth sports and adult disability services. Discover how the donations are making a difference.
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.
Sixteen victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing have been awarded nearly £20 million in damages. The settlements follow a public inquiry that found serious security failings. Read the full story.
Labour's Culture Secretary is reviewing BBC funding, with free TV licences for those on benefits among options. Could a £174.50 fee change ease the burden on poorer households?
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.
Gateshead's NEL Fund Managers celebrates a record 2025, backing 34 regional SMEs from EV charging to IT. Discover how NPIF II funding is driving growth and jobs across the North East.
Persimmon Homes West Midlands has donated £3,000 to Wem and District Rotary Club via its Community Champions scheme. The funds will support local people through events, youth activities, and tackling isolation.
Chippenham RFC's Under-11s receive a £1,000 grant from Persimmon Homes Wessex for new match-day kits. Discover how this local developer supports community youth sports.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy launches a decade review of the BBC's funding, considering adverts and subscription tiers. Have your say in the public consultation.
A planned 150-place special school in Shirley, Solihull, has been cancelled after the government redirected £3bn to create specialist places in mainstream schools. Council leader expresses disappointment.
Grimsargh St Michael’s C of E Primary School receives a £25,000 parish council grant to kickstart a £100,000 playground transformation, aiming for a more inclusive, nature-rich space for local children.
Millions of UK households face a new TV Licence hike in 2026, pushing the annual cost above £180. The rise, linked to inflation, could see more people cancelling. Read the full details.
Staffordshire County Council filled 15.1% fewer potholes this year. Opposition blames Reform UK's roadworks ban, while the council promises long-term improvements.
The UK Government has launched its most significant child poverty plan in years, aiming to lift 550,000 children out of poverty by 2030. Key measures include lifting the two-child benefit cap and tackling temporary accommodation. Read the full details.
A massive £264.1 million government funding injection aims to revolutionise bus services in the West Midlands, promising faster, cheaper, and more reliable travel. Read the full details.
Birmingham installs its first new average speed cameras on the A45 Coventry Road to enforce a 30mph limit, funded by Clean Air Zone surplus. The council's goal is safety, not fines.
The government has announced a £246m funding package for bus services across the West of England. Local authorities will decide how to spend the money on new vehicles, infrastructure, and keeping fares low.
A £264.1 million government funding package will transform bus services in Birmingham and the West Midlands, aiming for lower fares and more reliable journeys. Discover how this investment will impact your commute.
The biannual Heath Bookshop Literature and Music Festival returns to Kings Heath, Birmingham, 15-19 April 2026. Featuring Max Porter, Mike Joyce, and new commissions. Book tickets now!
Mercedes-Benz announces a major £20 million investment in the UK, creating 150 high-skilled jobs. The government is contributing £10 million to boost the nation's electric vehicle transition. Read the full details.
The Department for Education has broken its silence on a controversial £50m free school in Walsall, defending its process after criticism from MP Valerie Vaz. Read the full story.
Hospice UK warns of unsustainable funding as bed closures rise. The government's new palliative care framework offers hope, but immediate financial support is missing from the budget.
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.
New £70 supermarket vouchers from the Household Support Fund will be automatically issued to eligible households in Wakefield from December 3rd. Find out if you qualify.
Birmingham Museums Trust launches urgent £2m public appeal. Half its costs are unfunded, putting the city's world-class cultural heritage at a 'critical crossroads'. Your help is needed.
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.