Solihull Council's planning committee has refused a retrospective application for a large home extension in Shirley after neighbours and councillors objected. The homeowner now faces enforcement action.
Residents in Solihull Lodge are holding a public meeting on January 6 to tackle ongoing problems with taxis and vehicles clogging residential streets, preventing locals from parking near their homes.
Martin Lewis highlights the Severe Mental Impairment council tax discount, which can cut bills to zero for eligible households. Learn if you qualify and how to claim.
Millions of UK households will get a two-month council tax break in 2026 ahead of new property bands. Find out if you're eligible and how the new high-value surcharge will work.
Taylor Wimpey has submitted plans to build 120 homes, half affordable, on green belt land off Stratford Road in Shirley. The public consultation is open until January 27.
A Solihull shop could be shut down after allegedly selling an illegal vape to a child and counterfeit Labubu dolls. Councillors will review its licence next week.
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 faces a critical year with ongoing strikes and financial fragility. Commissioners see progress but warn of major risks ahead. Read the full analysis.
Solihull Council announces revised bin collection dates for Christmas and New Year 2025. Find out when to put your rubbish and recycling out over the festive period.
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.
Reform UK seized minority control of Worcestershire County Council in 2025, ending two decades of Conservative rule. Discover the key events, financial crises, and political defections that reshaped the Midlands.
Dudley Council battled a £42m financial crisis, political defections, and protests over asylum seeker housing in a tumultuous 2025. Explore the key events shaping the borough's future.
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.
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.
Explore over 40 locally listed heritage assets across Solihull, from 17th-century cottages to Art Deco landmarks. Discover how these buildings shape the borough's unique character and enjoy local protection.
Solihull Council outlines three key options for residents to responsibly dispose of real Christmas trees after the festive season, including garden waste collections and a recycling centre.
Solihull Council renews Honey Club's licence for another year despite local objections over its place in a modern town centre. Read the full story on the controversial decision.
The Honey Club on Solihull High Street has had its sexual entertainment venue licence renewed after no complaints were raised. Read the full details of the decision.
A look back at the key planning appeals in Solihull for 2025, where residents challenged council refusals. Discover which decisions were overturned by the government inspector.
Warwickshire's Reform UK leader vows to ignore council vote demanding he withdraw a letter to government seeking powers to cut school transport costs. Opposition unites against the move.
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.
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.
Campaigners demand Dudley Council reinstates 500 removed grit bins, warning the cost-cutting move risks safety on icy hills. Read the full story and see the petition.
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.
Paula Burnham, owner of Luxe Hair Design in Solihull, stood in front of contractors after roadworks appeared without warning, severely impacting her crucial festive trade. Read the full story.
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.
Solihull Council's cabinet approves £340,000 to finalise designs for the transformative Kingshurst village centre regeneration, including a new community, health, and retail hub. Read the latest.
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.
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.