Midlands Schools Receive First Ratings Under Ofsted's New Report Card System Thursday, January 15, 2026 ofsted education schools inspection reportcard midlands ratings governance achievement curriculum Ofsted has overhauled its school inspection process in England, replacing the familiar one-word grading system with a comprehensive ‘report card’ model starting in 2026. This move aims to provide a clearer and … Read More
No Decision Made on 'Golden Handcuff' Bonuses for Senior Officers at Midlands Council Saturday, January 10, 2026 goldenhandcuffs retention worcestershire council bonuses reorganisation opposition paycuts governance staffing Worcestershire County Council has yet to make a decision regarding a controversial proposal to offer ‘golden handcuff’ bonuses to senior officers in an effort to retain them ahead of upcoming local government … Read More
Key Challenges Facing Birmingham City Council in the Year Ahead Thursday, January 1, 2026 birmingham council finance bankruptcy publicservices governance budget community infrastructure recovery Birmingham City Council continues to confront significant challenges as it moves forward from a period of severe financial distress. Having effectively faced bankruptcy, the council is now focused on stabilizing its finances … Read More
Next Birmingham City Council Leaders Will Lack Full Autonomy Under Commissioner Oversight Monday, December 22, 2025 birmingham localgovernment commissioners council politics elections governance finance oversight recovery The political leaders elected to Birmingham City Council in May 2026 will have to operate under a stringent ‘action plan’ set by government-appointed commissioners, significantly restricting their ability to act … Read More
Bid for Councillors' Votes to Be Made Public 'So People Know Who's on Their Side' Thursday, December 11, 2025 transparency planning solihull councillors votes governance accountability localgovernment greenbelt decisionmaking Opposition councillors in Solihull are calling for a significant change in how votes are recorded at the council’s planning committee meetings—key sessions that decide the fate of local planning applications. Reform … Read More
Delayed Report on Failed £1.6m Dudley Leisure Site Sale Sparks Councillor Frustration Wednesday, December 10, 2025 dudley council audit investigation landsale leisurecentre grantthornton transparency delays governance Investigators examining the collapse of a £1.6 million land deal involving Dudley Council continue to face significant delays, as critical questions remain unanswered nearly a year after being raised. The controversy centers … Read More