Littlewoods Film Studio Plans Go to Government
Liverpool's £70m plan to transform the iconic Littlewoods building into a TV and film studio complex will be presented to ministers in February. Council leader reveals strong government interest.
Liverpool's £70m plan to transform the iconic Littlewoods building into a TV and film studio complex will be presented to ministers in February. Council leader reveals strong government interest.
Rachael Hennigan, Principal of Hugh Baird College in Bootle, receives an OBE for her exceptional contribution to further education and transforming lives across the Liverpool City Region.
A month-by-month look at the major political and community stories that shaped Birmingham in the first half of 2025, from the bin strike crisis to council bankruptcy fallout.
Birmingham City Council approves sale of closed Harborne Day Centre to a national retailer for a new supermarket, sparking debate over cuts to vital adult services. Read the full story.
Birmingham City Council faces a critical year with ongoing strikes and financial fragility. Commissioners see progress but warn of major risks ahead. Read the full analysis.
Government commissioners warn of four critical risks, including the bins strike and equal pay liability, facing Birmingham City Council despite 'positive' steps. Read the latest on the authority's fragile financial future.
New data reveals the shortest and longest council house waiting times across Birmingham wards, with Holyhead at 30 weeks and Quinton at 250 weeks. Discover the full list and council advice.
Liverpool's biggest book festival is back on 8 March 2026 at Box Park. Meet 60+ authors, enjoy live music, street food & kids' activities. Standard tickets £17.50. Book now!
easyJet announces a major new route from Liverpool to Naples, Italy, starting August 2026. Flights will operate twice weekly, with package holidays also available. Discover the Amalfi Coast with affordable fares.
The Hooters restaurant on Liverpool's Water Street will close permanently on January 11, 2026. The director cites a tough year and plans for a new, more inclusive concept. Read more.
Up to 12,300 second-home owners face a 100% council tax surcharge as 38 more English councils activate new powers from April. See the full list of affected areas.
Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton explains his 'practical' approach to tackling child poverty, defending his relationship with government ministers. Read his full Q&A.
Up to 400,000 UK homes may be in the wrong council tax band due to flawed 1991 valuations. Check your band now and challenge it to potentially claim thousands in backdated refunds.
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.
Derby City Council has spent £1,400 on security guards to protect workers removing England and Union flags following 'threatening behaviour'. Full details on the council's U-turn and costs revealed.
As Birmingham's 2025 bin strike dragged on, mobile waste centres were swamped. We revisit the chaos, fly-tipping and the community efforts that followed. Read the full story.
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.
Liverpool and Wolves face a crippling injury crisis ahead of their Premier League clash, with 16 players combined ruled out. Get the latest team news and fitness updates here.
Birmingham City Council approves the sale of the Grade II listed Alpha Tower to aid its financial recovery. The move follows the council's effective bankruptcy declaration in 2023. Read the full story.
Future Birmingham council leaders elected in 2026 will lack full autonomy, bound by a government-imposed action plan to ensure financial stability. Discover the binding roadmap for recovery.
Government commissioners will oversee Birmingham City Council after the 2026 elections, restricting new leaders' autonomy with a strict action plan. Discover the roadmap for recovery.
A heritage campaigner is spearheading a drive to resurface Hartley Avenue, an unadopted road in Liverpool, aiming for formal council adoption to aid residents and businesses.
Birmingham's new lead commissioner says the city must earn the respect of a true 'second city', drawing direct inspiration from Barcelona's global standing. Read the full analysis.
A major redevelopment in Wolverhampton will see a vacant Sports Direct store converted into a 52-bed hotel, gym, and five new retail units, boosting city centre investment.
New data shows Birmingham residents face waits up to 250 weeks for social housing. Discover the worst-hit areas and how the council's system works.
New data reveals 16 Birmingham areas are 'red zones' for council housing waits, with Quinton's 250-week lead. Discover the full list and official advice for applicants.
Birmingham City Council approves the sale of the iconic Alpha Tower to aid its financial recovery. Read the full story and reactions from local councillors.
The government's lead commissioner warns a 'that'll do' attitude must be broken for Birmingham City Council to recover. Key financial deadlines are set for early 2025.
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.
Daniel Barr, an ex-Army labourer, is commended for his 'outstandingly brave' act of stopping a car that drove into a Liverpool victory parade crowd, injuring over 100. Read his incredible story.