Residents across the Dudley Borough are facing significant changes this week as the local council grapples with multiple challenges and approvals that will shape community life. From housing developments to service pressures, here's what you need to know about recent council decisions.
Housing and Financial Pressures
Council tenants in Dudley could see their weekly rent increase by an additional £1 to £2 under a national policy called 'rent convergence' proposed in Chancellor Rachel Reeves' budget. This measure would gradually raise rent for properties currently below the set 'formula rent,' affecting over 12,000 households across the borough.
In more positive housing news, planners have granted outline permission for the borough's largest brownfield development at the former Ketley Quarry site in Kingswinford. The scheme will deliver 650 new homes following successful negotiations to resolve road access issues. The approved plans include restrictions to prevent motorists from using the new development as a shortcut to avoid congestion.
Service Challenges and Funding
Ofsted inspectors have raised concerns about Dudley Council's children's services, noting that high caseloads are leading to inconsistent service delivery. While staff demonstrate strong knowledge of their clients, the quality of assessments varies significantly, creating 'drift and delay' in meeting the needs of vulnerable children. The council has confirmed it is hiring additional staff to address these issues.
Meanwhile, residents requiring mental health assessments face waiting times exceeding eight months, with 660 Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) cases currently outstanding. Although overall waiting times have decreased, referrals have increased substantially, leaving the borough's non-completion rate above the regional average. To tackle this backlog, the council has approved an extra £215,692 in funding for overtime and support staff, aiming to complete 524 assessments.
Heritage and Community Decisions
A historic Grade II listed building in Dudley town centre, formerly the Post Office and Nulla Nulla nightclub, faces potential demolition due to continuing decay. Constructed in 1909, the empty building has been described as a serious 'eyesore' by former mayor Councillor David Stanley, who noted the owner may live abroad. The property was put up for sale in 2017 but remains undeveloped.
In community news, taxpayers have footed an £8,000 bill for a feasibility study and public consultation on creating a parish council in Cradley, despite the idea being overwhelmingly rejected by residents. The survey saw 82.6% of respondents vote against introducing the new layer of local government, with council leader Councillor Patrick Harley confirming the matter is now closed.
