3.2% BBC licence fee rise to £180 a year is “fair and affordable”
Most adult Britons use BBC services, the Government says The annual cost of a TV licence will increase to £180 from April 2026,.
Culture
Politics
Business News
Politics
Chancellor hails freight sector as key to UK growth on West Midlands visit
Rachel Reeves tours pledges government support for industry employing over 174,000 in region Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the freight and logistics sector is.
People
Politics
Kier Starmer’s Government confirms postponed votes will now go ahead
30 council elections back on Local elections across 30 English councils that had been delayed until 2027 will now take place as originally.
People
Politics
Viewpoint
Weekend read
£5bn SEND bailout: Necessary rescue or a precedent making repeats more likely in future?
How local authorities must strike a balance between delivering vital services and the taxpayers’ cash that funds them There are moments in public.
Politics
Transport
Proposed doubling of West Midlands pothole budget
Mayor Richard Parker attempts to regain voter traction on this key local issue West Midlands mayor Richard Parker has announced plans to double.
People
Politics
Home Secretary secures deportation deals with three African countries
Illegal immigrants to be sent back to Namibia, Angola and DRC Birmingham MP and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has secured agreements to deport.
Birmingham
Politics
Viewpoint
‘Starmer’s successor is in Birmingham Selly Oak’
Al Carns, Armed Forces Minister, is the ‘real deal’ – and could be the solution to the Mandelson mess Keir Starmer’s premiership is.
Dudley
People
Politics
Sonia Kumar MP welcomes Labour Government veterinary reforms to protect Dudley pet owners and support local vets
Dudley MP backs biggest overhaul of veterinary regulation in more than 60 years Sonia Kumar MP has welcomed landmark reforms to the veterinary sector.
Life Sciences
Politics
NHS scaling back use of ‘physician associates’ over patient safety fears
Move comes after government review found PAs were being used as ‘substitute’ doctors The NHS has significantly scaled back its use of physician.
Birmingham
Politics
Viewpoint
Birmingham: Bankrupt or not, this is a disgrace
Whether the city is broke or not, the reputational damage is done – and we need to rebuild This week, Birmingham City Council.