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.
Mountains of uncollected Christmas rubbish plague Birmingham streets as a bitter bin strike nears its first anniversary. Residents describe shame and rat infestations.
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.
Major changes to Chelmsford's Chelmer Valley Park and Ride, including reduced hours and new fares, will start in 2026 to improve value for money. Read the full details.
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.
Residents in Solihull are outraged after Transport for West Midlands cut the direct 73 bus to Heartlands Hospital. A petition demands a U-turn to restore the vital link for patients, staff, and visitors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Campaigners fight to save the 73 bus route to Heartlands Hospital after changes leave Old Lode Lane residents stranded. Over 40 signatures gathered in hours.
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.
Construction on five new stations in Birmingham and the Black Country is finished. Services will begin in early 2025, restoring passenger trains to some lines after decades. Read more.
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.
Swansea Council leader says the authority should not fear stepping in to run bus services directly as Wales rolls out new franchising legislation, aiming for a unified, reliable network by 2027.
Birmingham City Council proposes selling the freehold of the Grade II listed Alpha Tower to aid its financial recovery. Key committee vote set for December 16.
Tony Mullane fears his £2 taxi-bus service for Liverpool FC fans could be squeezed out as the city region moves to a publicly controlled bus network. Read his story and the Combined Authority's response.
Metro tram fares across the West Midlands will increase from 2 January 2026. Find out the new prices for single, day, and monthly tickets and the reasons behind the changes.
A week of drama at Birmingham City Council includes a legal threat over regeneration, ongoing bins strike chaos, and a shark-suited spectator. Get the full update.
Birmingham and Solihull's Ring and Ride service has merged into the West Midlands Bus On Demand network. Find out about the new operator, vehicles, and what stays the same.
Warwick District Council must repay double council tax charged on second homes after admitting it 'acted outside the law'. A procedural mistake forces a costly U-turn.
Ring and Ride services in Birmingham, Solihull, and Coventry have merged into West Midlands Bus On Demand, operated by Via. The change promises improved efficiency and accessibility for vulnerable passengers.