Councillor at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. Blogging about issues in Blythe Ward (Monkspath, Cheswick Green, Dickens Heath and Tidbury Green) and Solihull.
A report before the councils Economic Development, Managed Growth & Skills Scrutiny Board next week provides an update of the borough’s economic strategy delivery plan. Since the adoption of the Economic Strategy in 2023, significant progress has been made in key areas across each of the four Themes. Overall, it is considered that the key … More Solihull Economic Strategy Delivery Plan Update
The Council’s Urban Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 was developed and approved to promote, sustain and enhance the urban forest within Solihull. It recognises the contribution trees make towards the character, appearance and economy for all who live, work and visit Solihull. It also sets out the wider context around the value of trees, and the Urban … More FORESTRY – the Solihull approach
Residents of Solihull have a range of options for financial support for those at the end-of-life. A range of support is available from the Council which is detailed below. Any resident who may require support with the above can contact our Financial Inclusion Team on 0121 704 6202 or via email at financialinclusion@solihull.gov.uk. Our Community Advice Hubs … More Help with Council Tax for residents with a terminal illness
If you glance on social media, wherever you are in the UK, you may find complaints that ‘their’ own council has an exorbitant rate of council tax. I read similar statements here in Solihull, but the truth is, we have one of the lowest in the UK. I have compared Solihull’s council tax with others … More COUNCIL TAX – comparisons
I have been asked to explain a bit more about precepts, something added to our council tax bills. Funding for the police comes both directly from a central government grant and from the police precept. The policing precept is the amount we contribute to local policing through our council tax bill. The precept varies across … More POLICE PRECEPTS – comparisons
I have previously mentioned the issues that relate to the Call for Sites and Widney Manor Golf Club. This post relates to a few other submissions nearby, off Widney Manor Road. I am conscious that some may be concerned about what has been put forward by developers/landowners. However, there is no certainty of any of … More Call for Sites – Widney Manor Road
I have mentioned previously my plea for the NHS to seek more substantial sums to address the extra demand in primary and secondary care that will arise through more development. One big complaint from existing residents is that, if its difficult to get a doctor’s appointment now, then what will it be like when we … More NHS S106 SUBMISSIONS – Blythe ward sites
This was presented at Solihull Council yesterday evening by Dr Sue Ross, Independent Chair Solihull Safeguarding Adults Board. The board does some fantastic work and the report is very readable; there is a an ‘easy read version posted as well. It is clear that with an every increasing older population (see Ageing Well report – … More Solihull Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report2024-2025
A few debates at council last night over a motion to ask two scrutiny boards to revisit the selection of who is to chair the respective scrutiny boards for the remainder of the municipal year. The two scrutiny boards are: Education and Children’s Service, and the Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services scrutiny board. The issue … More A BIT OF CLARIFICATION
I thought this may be useful for residents to know more about. Anyone can object to a planning application, it does help if the objector has connections with the site concerned. We have seen petitions signed by people objecting to applications in the ward who live abroad! To start with, there has to be a … More OBJECTING TO PLANNING/DEVELOPMENTS
Ken Hawkins 