HS2 confirms 2033 deadline unachievable
HS2 Ltd's CEO admits the high-speed rail line cannot open between London and Birmingham by 2033. Read the latest on the project's 'fundamental reset' and revised schedule.
HS2 Ltd's CEO admits the high-speed rail line cannot open between London and Birmingham by 2033. Read the latest on the project's 'fundamental reset' and revised schedule.
HS2 Ltd CEO Mark Wild confirms the 2029-2033 opening schedule is unachievable. Read the latest on the project's 'reset' and construction progress.
Residents in sought-after Water Orton endure a persistent 'fishy' odour linked to HS2 tunnel work, with complaints of dust, traffic, and a declining community. Read the full story.
A Warwickshire village is being 'destroyed' by HS2 construction, with a refugee saying the noise is louder than Kyiv bombs. The primary school is shrinking as families move away. Read the full story.
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.
Birmingham's new lead commissioner eyes Barcelona-style status. Plus, a cat rescued from Vinted, HS2 updates, and festive events in our Christmas week digest. Stay connected to Brum.
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.
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.
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.
HS2 engineers achieve a UK-first by sliding a 4,600-tonne viaduct deck over the M6 without a full closure, minimising disruption. A landmark moment for the high-speed rail project.
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.