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

Climate Change Consultation 2025

Climate change affects all of us, from heatwaves and flash floods through to increasing food prices or effects on our health. The Council’s Climate Change Strategy sets out the how the Council plans to face the challenges and opportunities climate change brings and what we will do to help meet those challenges whilst supporting our residents. This survey is all about getting different perspectives to help us shape better policies and initiatives to tackle climate...

Closes 7 March 2026

Climate Change Consultation 2026

Climate change affects all of us, from heatwaves and flash floods through to increasing food prices or effects on our health. The Council’s Climate Change Strategy sets out the how the Council plans to face the challenges and opportunities climate change brings and what we will do to help meet those challenges whilst supporting our residents. This survey is all about getting different perspectives to help us shape better policies and initiatives to tackle climate...

Closes 7 March 2026
See more

Closed consultations and engagement

Issues we've asked you about previously

Consultation on Sandwell Council’s Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy Review

Every five years, Sandwell Council as a Licensing Authority must ensure that its policy in relation to Private Hire & Hackney Carriages is reviewed and acknowledges guidance and recommendations provided by other Government bodies. As such, this policy must ensure that the health and safety of the public and drivers of vehicles are fully considered.

Closed 3 March 2026

Sandwell Member of Youth Parliament Elections 2026

You can vote if you are: Aged 11–18 You live, go to school or college, or attend a Sandwell youth group or organisation Volunteer in Sandwell (14 hours or more weekly) Click the link below to vote.

Closed 20 February 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...

Closed 5 February 2026
See more

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.

Be the first to hear about updates

Sign up to our newsletter

Sign up