Birmingham's biggest stories of 2025: January to June
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.
Category : Search result: Birmingham City Council land
Harborne Day Centre site sold for new food store
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 Council's 2026 Challenges: Strikes & Finances
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.
Birmingham Council's Four Major Risks Amid Recovery
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.
Birmingham's 2025: Strikes, Politics & Flag Wars
A look back at Birmingham's turbulent second half of 2025, from the unresolved bin strike and political infighting to divisive flag displays and a landmark new stadium plan.
Car Industry Job Cuts Loom in 2026
A stark report warns thousands of UK and European automotive jobs are at risk in 2026 due to falling sales, tariffs, and Chinese competition. Discover the full story and where new jobs are being created.
Birmingham Council House Wait Times: Holyhead Fastest
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.
Working Ponies Return to UK Farm for Disability Support
Diagrama Foundation reintroduces working ponies to its 100-acre West Sussex care farm, blending historical practices with modern support for adults with learning disabilities and autism.
Birmingham streets buried in Christmas rubbish as strikes drag on
Mountains of festive waste rot on Birmingham's streets as a year-long bin strike continues. Residents speak of shame and rats, with no end in sight. Read the full story.
38 councils to double council tax on second homes
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's fly-tipping nightmare as bin strikes continue
Birmingham residents face a festive nightmare as fly-tipped Christmas rubbish piles up in Small Heath and Bordesley Green. The ongoing bin strikes, now nearly a year old, are creating a public health crisis. Read more on the council's response.
Birmingham leader on 'grown up' talks not 'megaphone war'
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.
Birmingham bin strike: Festive rubbish piles up for a year
Mountains of uncollected Christmas rubbish plague Birmingham streets as a bitter bin strike nears its first anniversary. Residents describe shame and rat infestations.
400,000 homes in wrong council tax band
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.
Scala Theatre renovation costs rise by £590,000
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 Council hires security for flag removal after threats
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.
Birmingham bin strike chaos: Queues, JCBs and police calls
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.
Telford retail park bids to increase unit size for superstores
British Land applies to boost maximum store size at Telford Forge Retail Park to attract larger retailers, aiming to secure long-term tenancies and support the local economy. Read the full details.
Birmingham's Harborne Day Centre to become food store
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.
JLR Cyber Attack Fallout Puts Small Suppliers at Risk
A manufacturing boss warns small firms in Jaguar Land Rover's supply chain could close due to ongoing cashflow issues from a 2025 cyber attack. Read the full analysis and advice for affected businesses.
Birmingham Council Sells Alpha Tower Amid Bankruptcy
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.
Birmingham's 2026 leaders face strict financial controls
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.
UK GDP growth confirmed at 0.1% in third quarter
The UK economy grew by just 0.1% between July and September, official data confirms, with manufacturing hit by a major cyberattack. Discover the latest ONS figures and what they mean for the UK's economic outlook.
Birmingham's new council leaders will have limited freedom
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.
HMRC to Spur Thousands to Part With Cash in Weeks
As the self-assessment deadline looms, HMRC reports record tax receipts exceeding £900bn. Experts warn of fiscal drag and rising unemployment impacting public finances. Read the full analysis.
Birmingham urged to punch its weight like Barcelona
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.
New average speed cameras for 6 Birmingham roads in 2026
Birmingham City Council is installing average speed cameras on six new routes in 2026, expanding enforcement across the city. Drivers urged to stick to limits to save lives.
Empty Sports Direct transformed into hotel and gym
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.
Birmingham's Longest Council Home Wait Times Revealed
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.
Birmingham housing wait hits 250 weeks in Quinton
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.
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