Tell us what you think and help shape Sandwell

Take part in consultations, surveys and conversations that interest you, and find out more about decisions we’ve made



Have your say

Open opportunities to get involved

E-Bike and E-Scooter Management and Fire Safety in Council Housing

Sandwell Council (SMBC) is committed to putting tenants and residents at the heart of our housing services, ensuring homes are safe, well-managed, and meet everyone’s needs. We are reviewing how to manage the use, storage, and charging of e-bikes and e-scooters in our housing stock. While these vehicles provide affordable, sustainable transport, they can pose safety risks if not used, stored, or charged correctly. Across the UK, e-bike and e-scooter fires have more...

Closes 11 January 2026

Sandwell Design Code

SANDWELL DESIGN CODE Sandwell Council has started work on developing a Design Code. A Design Code is a planning document that includes a set of design requirements for the physical development of an area. It will include a review and replacement of our existing Residential Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document [https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/planning/supplementary-planning-guidance-residential-design] . National Government requires all local authorities to establish design...

Closes 5 February 2026
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Closed consultations and engagement

Issues we've asked you about previously

Sandwell Start Up Hub Survey

We value your feedback! The Sandwell Start-Up Hub is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in Sandwell. Your input is essential in helping us understand how well we are meeting your needs and where we can make improvements. This survey aims to gather your thoughts on your experience using the Hub and the support you've received so far. Your feedback will help us: Identify what’s working well. Address any challenges you may have encountered. ...

Closed 31 December 2025

Dementia Living Well Pathway – Experience

We are seeking your views about your experience of dementia care in Sandwell, in relation to the NHS Dementia Living Well Pathway. Your feedback will help improve services for people living with dementia and their carers. For more information about how we’re about what we are doing to make Sandwell a Dementia friendly place, including helping people live well with dementia and supporting people who need help to stay in their own homes rather than go into hospital or a...

Closed 30 November 2025

Tenant Engagement Strategy for Council Tenants

Sandwell Council (SMBC) is committed to putting tenants at the heart of our housing services. Our Tenant Engagement Strategy sets out how we will listen to, involve, and work alongside tenants to shape the homes and communities where they live. Our key aims are to: Strengthen the tenant voice in decisions and service design Improve communication and transparency across housing services Make it easy and accessible for everyone to get involved Promote...

Closed 28 November 2025
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Your impact

Outcomes of issues we have asked you about previously. See all outcomes

We asked

We asked residents, tenants, employees, and councillors for their views on the draft Housing Needs Assessment (HNA). The Assessment looks at the housing needs of people living in Sandwell and will help guide future housing planning and decisions.

Feedback was gathered through:

  • An online consultation from 5 August to 31 October 2025, which included questions on whether the Assessment reflects local housing needs, its clarity, and any missing information.
  • A policy engagement session on 12 September 2025, where residents could review the draft in paper form and provide feedback online or via post.
  • Resident engagement groups, including the Tenant and Leaseholder Scrutiny Group, which reviewed draft versions and suggested improvements.
  • Collaboration across housing teams, community partners, and specialist services to ensure all perspectives were considered.

You said

Residents highlighted several areas for improvement:

Hidden needs: Groups such as sofa surfers, overcrowded households, and those over 22 not on the housing register were underrepresented.

Readability: Some sections were complex and could be easier to understand.

Local data: Experiences in large apartment blocks, including subletting and tenant turnover, were not fully reflected.

Use of the Assessment: It should guide housing allocation, mutual exchanges, and support for those needing to upsize or downsize, prioritising households in greatest need.

Accessibility: The Assessment should be available in multiple languages and accessible formats.

Ongoing engagement: Regular updates are needed to keep the Assessment accurate.

We did

In response, we have:

  • Reviewed data sources to better capture hidden homelessness and overcrowding.
  • Simplified language, added summaries, and included visual aids for clarity.
  • Planned further analysis of tenancy patterns in multi-unit buildings.
  • Committed to using the Assessment to guide housing allocation and support residents’ housing needs.
  • Will provide translations and accessible versions where needed.
  • Will hold annual reviews and engagement sessions to keep the Assessment up-to-date.

Amendments have been made where necessary. The final Housing Needs Assessment will guide housing planning and decisions across Sandwell. In addition, a consultation report has been produced.

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