There has been a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in Sandwell in recent weeks. This has be partly driven by outbreaks in workplaces. Lisa McNally, Sandwell Council’s director for public health, said: “We need businesses to let us know if they have two or more cases of COVID-19 among their […]

A factory at the centre of a major coronavirus outbreak in Sandwell has taken the decision to voluntarily close from tonight after over a third of the workforce tested positive for COVID-19. CBS Packaging, of Brandon Way, West Bromwich, has closed for 14 days to support infection control measures decided […]

Work to transform Wolverhampton into one of the world’s best digitally connected cities is underway. Wolverhampton is celebrating a major milestone in its digital transformation with work now well underway to build a full fibre network to reach almost every home and business in the city. CityFibre, the UK’s third […]

Expansion works on a major Midlands business park are running ahead of schedule with the construction of fully serviced factory platforms now underway. Advanced works involving site clearance, land investigation and testing across a 60 acre site at i54 South Staffordshire were completed last week, just 2 months after the […]

Up to 365 jobs could be cut by a council which says it must cut major services to prevent bankruptcy caused by the financial impact of COVID-19. Luton Borough Council faces a £49m shortfall in its finances – and needs to save almost £22m. Amidst political rhetoric of investment into […]

Sandwell Council is drawing up ambitious plans to regenerate three town areas in the borough – in a bid to win a slice of the £3.6 billion cash available nationwide for regeneration schemes. Councillor Maria Crompton, Deputy Council Leader, said the council was pulling out all the stops to secure […]

Prudent and tight financial management saw City of Wolverhampton Council turnaround a forecasted budget overspend at one stage during 2019 to 2020 to finish the year with an underspend. The authority will this week publish its budget outturn report for the last financial year which will be considered by Cabinet […]

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said of the update: “Our top priority has always been to support people, protect jobs and businesses through this crisis. “The furlough and self-employment schemes have been a lifeline for millions of people and businesses. “We stood behind Britain’s businesses and workers as we came into this […]

Dudley Council is urging borough residents to help local businesses bounce back from the coronavirus crisis – by shopping locally. Non-essential retail shops have begun re-opening this week as part of measures to gradually ease the lockdown announced by the government. And borough residents have been urged by council bosses […]