Birmingham's Best Places to Visit in 2026
Discover Birmingham's dynamic cultural scene for 2026. Explore historic canals, Michelin-starred dining, the Jewellery Quarter, and world-class art. Plan your visit today.
Discover Birmingham's dynamic cultural scene for 2026. Explore historic canals, Michelin-starred dining, the Jewellery Quarter, and world-class art. Plan your visit today.
Discover the leading UK staycation destinations for 2026, from the Yorkshire Dales to the Scottish Highlands. Plan your perfect sustainable domestic break now.
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.
Plans for the UK's first Universal Studios theme park near Cambridgeshire have been approved, promising 8,000 permanent jobs and a £50bn economic boost. Discover the details.
West Midlands Safari Park is building eight new lodges due to high demand. Four Giraffe Lodges and four Rhino Lodges will open in 2026, offering unique overnight wildlife experiences. Bookings are now open.
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.
Butlin's holiday resorts bounce back from a £74.2m loss to a £28.3m pre-tax profit in 2024. CEO Jon Hendry Pickup outlines investment plans ahead of the brand's 90th anniversary.
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.
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.
Discover Coventry's authentic side with our guide to 7 hidden gems, from a 14th-century monastery to medieval streets. Explore the city like a local.
Discover Birmingham and West Midlands' quirky hidden attractions beyond the usual tourist spots. Explore catacombs, pagodas and industrial art spaces.
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.
A major 62-step strategy to enhance nature across the West Midlands has been launched, aiming to channel £100m into hundreds of projects, boost biodiversity and create green jobs.
The BBC licence fee is projected to reach £197 by 2030, while over a million households stop paying. Discover the funding crisis facing the national broadcaster.
The Bradbury Foundation has awarded £4,000 in grants to four inspirational Lincolnshire charities supporting vulnerable children, mental health, disability services and domestic abuse survivors.
Over a million people have cancelled their BBC TV licence as the fee is forecast to rise to nearly £200. Discover why viewers are abandoning the service and the financial impact on the broadcaster.
Hundreds of UK leisure centres face closure due to financial pressures. Discover how the #DoYourBit campaign is empowering communities to save local sports facilities through sustainable fundraising.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves commits to funding the Cardiff Parkway station and business park, a project with the potential to create thousands of jobs and attract major investment from Rolls-Royce.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveils major Budget reforms on taxes, benefits, and NHS funding. Discover the full list of changes affecting your finances and public services.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers Autumn Budget with tax changes, NHS funding and economic reforms. Full breakdown of all major announcements affecting UK households.
Walsall MP Valerie Vaz questions the controversial Reedswood Park free school project, citing accessibility issues and a 'covid VIP lane' selection process. Discover why this £50m investment faces local opposition.
West of England leaders endorse a proposed tourist tax on overnight stays to fund transport and local projects. Find out how this could transform the region's visitor economy.
Discover stunning West Midlands beauty spots perfect for a winter visit. From panoramic hills to historic castles, find your next scenic adventure.
Inquest into Hayley Dowell's death after cosmetic surgery in Istanbul is postponed. The coroner raises concerns over Brits seeking elective procedures abroad.
Alconbury C of E Primary School receives a £1,500 donation from David Wilson Homes to fund its new forest school area, enhancing outdoor learning for pupils.
Liverpool's £2 overnight visitor charge will proceed after the government rejected a legal challenge. The levy, expected to generate millions, will boost the city's visitor economy.
English mayors including Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham gain powers to impose a tourist tax on hotel stays to fund local projects, despite hospitality sector opposition.