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

SHAPE Your Talent 2026

SHAPE Your Talent is a talent competition for young people aged 8-19 year olds (up to 25 for young people with additional needs) who live, work or are educated in Sandwell. You can vote for a semi-finalist in the 8-13 category and you can vote for a semi-finalist in the 14-19 category.

Closes 8 May 2026

Walking and Cycling Maps

We would like to receive feedback on the walking and cycling maps for each of the six towns. Click the links below to download the maps. Oldbury Rowley Regis and Cradley Heath Smethwick Tipton Wednesbury West Bromwich

Closes 31 May 2026
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Closed consultations and engagement

Issues we've asked you about previously

Go Play Grassroots 26/27 Application Form

Sandwell Council values the role of play in building children and young people’s confidence, self ‑ esteem, social interaction, mental health and wellbeing. The Go Play Sandwell Grassroots Grant Programme (formerly ‘Creating a Playable Sandwell’) supports voluntary and community sector (not ‑ for ‑ profit) organisations, including grassroots groups, to deliver open, accessible and quality free play experiences. The target...

Closed 10 April 2026

Drug and Alcohol services across Sandwell

Sandwell Public Health have commissioned S Squared to carry out an Equality Impact Assessment of drug and alcohol services across Sandwell. As part of this work, we are gathering feedback to understand how well current services meet the needs of our communities. We are keen to hear from adults aged 18 and over who live or work in Sandwell or have any experience of drug and alcohol services here. This includes: People who have used drug and alcohol services in...

Closed 10 April 2026

Sandwell Local Plan Main Modifications

The Inspector examining the Sandwell Local Plan has recommended a number of Main Modifications which are required to make the Plan sound or legally compliant. This consultation seeks views on the Main Modifications.

Closed 30 March 2026
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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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