Month: February 2023

The price of Council Tax in Walsall will rise in April, increasing by just under 3%. The 2.99% council tax increase means that the average Band D Council Tax will see an increase of 16 pence per day.

Walsall Council’s budget for 2023-24 was approved at a meeting last week and includes:

• £26.8 million of demand, demographic and price changes within children’s and adult social care.
• £4.1 million of other services demand and cost pressures, including fall out of external funding, reductions in fees and charges income, and investment in IT infrastructure.
• £15.6 million of corporate provisions to cover the costs of pay awards and pension auto-enrolment, capital investment to fund regeneration projects within the Borough, cost of living inflationary costs such as energy, fuel and other supplies and services costs.
• £2.2 million of investment linked to delivering the Council’s Proud transformation activity.

 The budget also confirms that £15.7 million of savings need to be made over the next year with the Council planning to reduce costs by improving various working methods and increasing use of technology and digitalisation.

Mike Bird, leader of Walsall Council, said:

“This budget reflects the views of our residents and as a Council we have prioritised areas that reflect the current cost of living crisis. Our decision not to take the option to raise Council Tax by a further 2% has been approved and I hope this goes some way to help ease the struggles that our residents are facing.

At a time when the Council is facing increasing financial pressures, we’re seeing increasing demand for our services alongside rising inflation and energy bills, and only limited certainty over funding. While the financial situation remains challenging, we now have a balanced budget with significant levels of investment in services and regeneration within the Borough.

The recent award of £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund for the development of Willenhall Garden City is positive news and I look forward to seeing lots of exciting plans come to fruition.”

The Saddlers Shopping Centre in Walsall will be a hive of activity on Thursday 23 February with families and shoppers encouraged to take part in the ‘I Heart Health’ event.

Raising awareness of heart health, the event will feature a number of activities, including a free health assessment and the chance for the kids to try out some activities, including taster golf, cycling, tai chi and bowls.

A limited number of healthy hampers will also be given out to those who participate.

The event, which takes place between 11am-4pm on Thursday 23 February is free to attend with activity sessions running at the following times:

• Tai chi – 11am to 12pm
• Taster golf – 2pm to 4pm
• Bowls – 1pm to 3pm
• Cycling and health assessments throughout the day

Both the cycling and free health assessments will run throughout the duration of the event. Please note activities are subject to change. 

 

Approval has been granted for Walsall Studio School to occupy a row of four units on George Street.

The current school campus, which educates children between the ages of 14-19, currently sits on Lower Hall Lane and the extension will see four empty shops converted into classrooms.

Agents Delta Planning said: “The proposed development is to change the use of units at 5-8 George Street from retail to use as part of the school.

“Apart from the signage, no external changes are required. The retail units are located directly across from the school and provide additional classroom accommodation to meet curriculum requirements.

“The units are only used during normal school hours (8.30am to 4.30pm) Monday to Friday and are therefore not used at times when housing issues are an issue.”

The area on George Street was formerly home to the Grade II listed Shannon’s Mill, which was destroyed by a fire in 2007. The shops, which sit underneath apartments, have been empty for approximately four years.

Walsall Council is keen to support local communities in their celebrations for the Coronation of Kings Charles III on Saturday, 6 May, 2023.

Consequently, members of the public planning street parties are asked to submit an application before 31 March 2023 so that road closures can be organised.

Additionally, a limited number of small grants of up to £150 are available to help community groups celebrate. Further details on the grants are due to be announced shortly.

Events are expected to take place over the weekend of the Coronation, between 6-8 May 2023. A Coronation concert will be held at Windsor Castle on the 7 May

“Last year’s local celebrations for the Jubilee across the borough were just awe-inspiring and so important for bringing people back together after the worst of the pandemic. I hope we see more of this for the Coronation because together, as communities, we’re stronger, “  said Councillor Gary Perry.

If you’re thinking of organising a street party, start planning now and make sure you get your application in on time if you’re requesting a road closure.“

If you’re thinking of hosting event, please contact the mayor’s office – https://go.walsall.gov.uk/your-council/mayor-of-walsall

 Do you know someone who has made a difference in the community? If so, you now have a chance to nominate them for the BBC Radio WM ‘Make a Difference Awards’.

 The initiative recognises the contributions of local people, including key workers and volunteers who have done something incredible.

This might include a teacher who has inspired children in the classroom, a litter picker who helps keep our streets clean or a carer who goes above and beyond.

The awards will be split up into eight categories and include:

• Volunteer
• Community group
• Fundraiser
• Carer
• Great neighbour
• Bravery
• The green award
• The together award 

Councillor Garry Perry, Deputy Leader for Resilient Communities said:

“My cabinet title says it all really. Walsall people are resilient, look after each other and together we’re stronger. There has long been a proud tradition of volunteering and community work across the borough and the darkest days of the pandemic have strengthened that still further.

“I’d love to see some of our residents and communities receive the recognition they deserve, so please get nominating! The nomination form is quick and easy to complete — it’s really just about talking from your heart about how people have gone over and above and how it’s made a difference to other people’s lives.”

Nominations are open until Sunday 5 March and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in September.

Sandwell Council has confirmed that a further investment of £500,000 will be made to the Emotional Wellbeing Programme, which has been supporting children in the borough since 2021.

£1.1 million has already been invested in the programme which has helped more than 2,000 children suffering with mental health concerns.

Students at Bristnall Hall Academy in Oldbury have been taking part in a sport mentoring programme using sporting activities to help improve their confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.

Youth Mentors Jevaughni Robinson and Daniel McCalla from local charity Sport4Life have worked with academy children since Autumn 2022. Daniel McCalla said: “I’m proud to be involved in a project like Sandwell’s Emotional Wellbeing Programme.

“Seeing the young people come out of their shell and talk is really important, I don’t do this job for the money, I do it because I want to make a difference.

“I want to see young people being aspirational and know that with a little bit of help, they all can achieve.”

Councillor Simon Hackett, Cabinet Member for Children and Education recently visited Bristnall Hall Academy in Oldbury. He said: “I am overwhelmed hearing from the young people involved and the positive impact these mentoring sessions have made to them personally.

“It is clear the students really look up to Jevaughni and Daniel who are really making a difference to the young people they mentor.

“This programme is having such a positive impact on our children and young and I am pleased to announce during Children’s Mental Health Week, our investment into the programme will continue in 2023.”

Lindsay Mason, assistant principal at Bristnall Hall Academy said: “Being part of the council’s Emotional Wellbeing Programme has meant a lot to our young people who have gained a considerable amount from the sessions, in terms of both their physical and emotional wellbeing.”

“Thank you to mentors from Sport4Life who have made a real positive impact to the young people involved in these sessions.”

The extra investment will allow the programme to reach out to more children affected by mental health issues.

A litter picker from Great Barr, who is determined to help clean up the area, would love to see more people on the streets helping to keep them tidy.

Network rail worker Tim Brown, aged 49, has been picking up litter on the streets of Great Barr in his spare time for six years.

Covering the area around the Booths farm estate and Calshot Junior and Infant School, he goes out after work for two to three hours at a time every couple of weeks and collects up to six bags of rubbish.

“The council has cut back more and more and it’s highlighted the problem,” said Tim. “I hate litter. There’s no need for people to drop it.”

Tim heads out on his own to pick up litter, though there are numerous litter-picking groups in the area, including a team of volunteers from the Beeches estate.

“The biggest issue is plastic,” says Tim, “beer cans, plastic bottles and wrappers.”

“I also find a lot of disposable vapes, bottles and security tags. In some areas, such as bushes, you need to be careful as I have found needles.”

Despite the danger involved, Tim says he takes great pride in collecting litter when he sees the difference it makes to the area.

Tim has his litter-picking equipment, including bags and gloves, provided to him by the council, which also picks up the bags of litter he collects.

“Anyone who wants to get involved and help keep their area clean should get in touch with the council,” said Tim.

“I’d also encourage people to report fly-tipping, which is also an issue in Great Barr.

“There’s an app called ‘Fix My Street’, which allows you to tag a location where you’ve seen fly-tipping, which then alerts the local council.”

Anyone looking to get involved with litter picking should contact Sandwell Council for advice, or check out Birmingham Council’s Cleaner and Greener guide.