Welcome to the first Dispatch of 2026, and a particularly warm greeting to our new subscribers who joined over the festive period. As we settle into the new year, we bring you a round-up of the most significant and intriguing stories from across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.
Police Force Faces Deepening Financial Black Hole
The region's police service is confronting a severe financial crisis. West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has responded to a government announcement revealing the force is grappling with a funding shortfall of £41 million. This figure represents a dramatic increase from the £27 million gap previously anticipated and poses a direct threat to frontline policing.
Foster warned that this deficit could lead to the loss of up to 80 police officers, a devastating blow to neighbourhood policing teams that were only just beginning to recover from years of cuts. "I have spent years campaigning to rebuild neighbourhood policing and just as we were starting to see extra officers recruited we get this awful news," Foster stated. To partially bridge the gap, he is proposing a combination of additional council tax precepts and the use of financial reserves.
Fairground Ride Operator Granted Safety Reprieve
In a separate public safety matter, the operator of the City Star Flyer has been given an extended deadline to address critical failures. The 55-metre-high fairground ride catastrophically collapsed into Centenary Square in December 2024, injuring 13 people.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has since identified multiple faults within the ride's electric and control systems. The operator, Danter Attractions, was originally ordered to rectify these issues for a reinspection in November 2026, but has now been granted more time to complete the necessary work.
Political and Community News in Brief
Boundary changes mean Sandwell and Walsall councils will have all seats contested in the May 2026 local elections, rather than the usual third. Political analysts suggest this could lead to significant electoral swings, with potential gains for Reform UK linked to local discontent and the 'Raise the Flags' movement.
Hundreds of revellers were left disappointed on New Year's Eve after fake online adverts promoted a non-existent fireworks display in Centenary Square. The adverts, which promised food vans and musical performances, circulated widely in the weeks leading up to 31 December. West Midlands Police has warned that such hoaxes place unnecessary strain on emergency services.
In other news, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has announced a £450,000 fund for affordable housing in the Black Country, while Enrok Construction is set to be dissolved two years after entering administration.
Culture and Lifestyle: Rayner's Ramen Review and This Week's Picks
The Financial Times's esteemed critic Jay Rayner has heaped praise on city centre restaurant Maneki Ramen. While calling the modern Japanese fare "mostly very good," he reserved his highest acclaim for the starters and desserts. "What makes this place sing is the quality of the dishes at either end of the meal," Rayner wrote, highlighting the smacked cucumber, pork belly, and crispy chicken wings.
Your cultural diary for the week ahead includes the final chance to see the exhibition of Guyanese-British artist Donald Locke's sculptures and paintings at the Ikon gallery, closing next month. The Rep continues its festive run of 'Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas' until 18 January, and Symphony Hall hosts a performance of traditional Qawwali music by virtuoso Chand Ali Khan on Saturday.
Have a story tip or a pressing question about life in Birmingham? Our journalists are ready to investigate. Contact us at editor@birminghamdispatch.co.uk.
