Unregistered Children's Homes Charge £30,000 a Week
Ofsted warns of a 'shadow market' in children's care, with nearly 900 investigations launched into unregistered homes charging exorbitant fees. Urgent government action is demanded.
Ofsted warns of a 'shadow market' in children's care, with nearly 900 investigations launched into unregistered homes charging exorbitant fees. Urgent government action is demanded.
Ryanair vows immediate appeal against a €256m fine from Italy's competition watchdog, calling the ruling 'legally unsound' and a threat to low fares. Read the full story.
A Birmingham landlord urges locals to support their pub this Christmas as closures hit 'unprecedented rate' and business rates threaten a 15% hike. Protect your local.
The Competition and Markets Authority has ordered Sunderland's Hays Travel to pause integrating Polka Dot and Millington Travel. Read the full details of the investigation.
The UK's competition watchdog says drivers are likely overpaying for fuel due to high retailer margins. A new 'fuel finder' scheme aims to boost transparency and competition.
The UK competition watchdog finds fuel retailers' profit margins remain 'persistently high', with weak competition keeping pump prices up. New fuel finder scheme aims to empower motorists.
A new CMA report warns UK petrol and diesel drivers face persistently high fuel margins that cannot be explained by operating costs. Find out what this means for pump prices.
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.
Shirebrook Town Council left unable to function after 11 councillors quit. Bolsover District Council appoints temporary members to restore operations. Read the full story.
The UK's competition watchdog has launched a formal investigation into Associated British Foods' purchase of Hovis. The outcome could reshape the British bread market. Read the full details.
The Financial Conduct Authority has opened an investigation into WHSmith following a significant accounting failure in its North American arm that wiped £600m from its value. Read the latest.
WH Smith launches clawback of executive bonuses as the FCA investigates a £50m profit overstatement in its US arm. The retailer pledges governance reforms.
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.
Bus station workers and customer service staff in the West Midlands walk out for a second time, rejecting a 3.2% pay offer. UNISON warns of disruption to transport and projects.
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.
Persimmon Homes West Midlands has donated £3,000 to Wem and District Rotary Club via its Community Champions scheme. The funds will support local people through events, youth activities, and tackling isolation.
Demolition starts on Edgbaston's Raglan and Priory Stands, paving the way for a new £46m stand and Radisson RED hotel ahead of the 2027 Ashes. The project will boost jobs and the local economy.
The UK government announces a two-year timeline to bring crypto firms under FCA regulation, aiming to boost innovation and consumer protection. Read the full details.
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.
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.
The DWP unveils a major crackdown on benefit fraud with new data powers to prevent overpayments and recover billions. Discover the new 'no hiding place' measures.
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.
Gloucester City Council faces a 'financial black hole' and is applying for up to £17.5m in emergency government loans to avoid effective bankruptcy, with severe cuts to services planned.
Dudley Council faces a £56m SEND funding black hole despite a national budget change. Discover the local crisis and what the future holds for special needs provision.
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.
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.
From a controversial 24/7 casino approval to a rejected 'battery farm' HMO and a UK-first robotic pharmacy. Get the full update on Sandwell Council's major decisions this week.
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.