We asked, you said, we did

Residents were invited to share their views on the proposed E-Bike and E-Scooter Policy, which outlines the council’s approach to managing the use, storage, and safety of e-bikes and e-scooters within council-owned accommodation.

We held a resident engagement session to discuss the proposed policy and gather feedback on key issues, including fire safety, storage, and appropriate use.

Residents expressed concerns about the fire and safety risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters, particularly within residential properties and communal areas. Concerns were raised about the potential for serious incidents, with one resident sharing an example of property damage caused by an e-bike.

Respondents highlighted the need for clear guidance within the policy on which types of e-bikes and e-scooters are safe to purchase, use and store, including reference to safety standards and manufacturers.

Residents also raised questions about whether a single policy should cover e-bikes, e-scooters, and mobility scooters. There were concerns about how any proposed measures would be enforced, including suggestions for a registration system and the role of CCTV.

Additional feedback included the importance of ensuring the policy covers visitors, the consideration of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) for these devices, and the need to explore alternative storage options if restrictions are introduced.

While safety concerns were prominent, residents also recognised that e-bikes and e-scooters can provide an affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transpor

We have reviewed the policy to strengthen guidance on fire safety risks and to ensure clearer information is provided on the safe purchase, use, and storage of e-bikes and e-scooters.

We have clarified the scope of the policy, including how it applies within council-owned properties and to visitors, and considered the role of safety measures such as PAT testing.

We have also considered the balance between safety concerns and the benefits of e-bikes and e-scooters as a sustainable transport option. Challenges around enforcement, storage provision, and resource constraints have been acknowledged and factored into the policy review.

Amendments have been made where appropriate, and all feedback from the engagement session has been considered in refining the final version of the policy.

Residents were invited to share their views on the Tenant Engagement Strategy, which sets out how the council will listen to, involve, and work alongside tenants to shape housing services and communities.

The consultation ran from 17 October to 28 November 2025 and included a range of engagement activities such as workshops, pop-up events, tenant group meetings, youth sessions, and online feedback.

Overall, respondents were positive about the strategy, describing it as clear, well-structured, and focused on transparency, accessibility, and shared decision-making. Many welcomed the strategy as an important step toward improving tenant involvement.

However, feedback highlighted concerns about whether the commitments would be delivered in practice. Respondents expressed scepticism based on past experiences, noting the need for stronger accountability, visible action, and cultural change within the organisation.

Residents emphasised the importance of improving communication and creating clear feedback loops to demonstrate how tenant input influences decisions. They also highlighted the need for accessible and inclusive engagement, including translations, easy-read versions, and alternative formats.

Additional feedback included suggestions for practical engagement approaches such as pop-up events, tenant ambassadors, welcome sessions for new tenants, and training opportunities to support tenant participation. Respondents also noted the need to engage underrepresented groups, including younger tenants and diverse communities.

We have reviewed the Tenant Engagement Strategy to ensure it reflects the feedback received, particularly in relation to accountability, communication, and accessibility.

We have strengthened the strategy by including an executive summary to provide a clear and concise overview, and by confirming that an accompanying action plan will be developed with tenants to support delivery.

Additional performance measures and revised KPIs have been included to improve transparency and demonstrate how progress will be monitored and reported. We have also improved the presentation of the strategy by incorporating graphics and clearer formatting to support accessibility.

All feedback has been considered in refining the final version of the strategy, with a continued focus on ensuring delivery, building trust, and embedding meaningful tenant involvement.

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.

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.

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.

People who live, work or study in Sandwell for their views on community safety in Sandwell, including their experiences of crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB), how safe they feel, and the issues that concern them most. We also sought feedback on current community safety priorities and what actions or initiatives would help you feel safer in your neighbourhoods.

People shared experiencing crime and ASB and the reasons for not reporting incidents, often due to a lack of confidence that action will be taken or uncertainty about how to report. You highlighted a strong need for increased police presence, better maintained neighbourhoods and more CCTV.

There was strong support for the existing Community Safety priorities in particularly Violence Against Women and Girls and Serious Violence.

We have made a significant investment of over £1 million to strengthen our borough-wide response to ASB, making it easier for local people to report concerns and access support through a single point of contact. We have more than doubled the number of dedicated ASB officers, to improve response times, ownership and consistency when dealing with ASB.

We have upgraded CCTV in West Bromwich town centre, a key hotspot identified in the consultation, replacing older cameras with new high-definition technology to improve coverage and help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

We have also expanded our Sandwell Safe Spaces scheme, with 61 locations now available across Sandwell, including expansion into Blackheath, providing safe places indoors for people who feel vulnerable while out and about in high streets and town centres (www.sandwell.gov.uk/safespaces).

We marked 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence during November and December 2025, bringing the whole community together at West Bromwich Town Hall for the Sandwell Stands Summit to share learning, see artwork and make a borough-wide commitment to end violence against women and girls across Sandwell. This followed a series of sessions across our six towns for people to seek support and discuss issues.

Additionally, in December, we held our Reclaim the Night Walk in Oldbury, where residents, partners and staff walked in solidarity to say no to violence, harassment and abuse, to reclaim our streets and public spaces and celebrate the strength and solidarity of our communities.

We asked residents, tenants, employees, and councillors for their views on our draft Tree Works for Council Housing Properties Policy. The policy explains how and when tree works will be carried out on council housing properties, including management, maintenance, and safety measures. It also outlines how residents can report concerns, request works, and how the Council prioritises and responds to tree-related issues.

Feedback was gathered through:

• A policy engagement session with residents, where participants shared views on the proposed approach, the clarity of the document, and any areas needing improvement.
• Review by the SNAC Policy Working Group and elected members for additional feedback and scrutiny.
• An online consultation from 28 August to 26 September 2025, which included questions about the policy’s proposals and accessibility.

Overall, respondents supported the Council’s commitment to maintaining safe, well-managed green spaces, but some wanted:

• Clearer guidance on how tree management and maintenance will be carried out.
• Practical instructions on reporting issues, requesting works, and what happens next.
• Timelines for when works will be completed and points of contact for queries.
• Simpler language or additional support, such as visual aids, diagrams, or simplified guides, to help residents understand the policy.

Some felt the policy was aspirational and would benefit from more examples of how tree works will be implemented in practice.

We have:

• Clarified the roles and responsibilities of the Council in managing and maintaining trees on housing properties.
• Added practical guidance on how residents can report issues, request tree works, and what steps will follow.
• Included information on expected timescales and contact points for queries.
• Improved the clarity of the language and committed to providing visual aids and simplified guides to make the policy easier to understand.

Amendments have been made to the policy where needed. The finalised Tree Works for Council Housing Policy was presented to Cabinet in October 2025, and a consultation report has been produced.

We asked residents, tenants, employees, and councillors for their views on our draft Damp, Mould and Condensation Policy. The policy explains how Sandwell Council will identify, prevent, and respond to damp and mould in homes, including the responsibilities of both the Council and residents. Feedback was gathered through a resident engagement session, the Policy Scrutiny Working Group, and an online consultation from 29 August to 29 September 2025.

Overall, people supported the policy and the Council’s commitment to tackling damp and mould, but some wanted:

• Clearer guidance on what residents and the Council are responsible for.
• Step-by-step instructions on reporting issues, what happens next, and how long it takes.
• Simpler language, easy-read summaries, flowcharts, or visual guides.
• Access to the policy in other languages and formats for everyone to understand.

We have:

• Made responsibilities for residents and the Council clearer.
• Added practical guidance on reporting problems and expected response times.
• Simplified the language and committed to accessible versions, including translations and visual guides.
• Strengthened how we communicate updates to residents throughout investigations and repairs.

Amendments have been made to the policy where needed. The finalised Damp, Mould and Condensation Policy was presented to Cabinet in October 2025, and a consultation report has been produced.

We're currently reviewing how Benefits and Debt Advice is provided across the borough and we asked how residents currently use our services and what they would like to see in the future. 

• Language and interpretation are major barriers
• People rely on face‑to‑face because they can’t access services any other way
• Residents value trust, familiarity, and being seen quickly
• People need clearer information about what services exist
• Debt advice is reaching people too late – often at crisis point
• There was high demand and strong face‑to‑face usage
• Residents need holistic support, not fragmented services
• Some communities are over‑represented and may be dependent on the service

The survey results are feeding into a wider benefits review model. We are piloting a advice hub in Smethwick where we will test our model:

• Built community‑language support into the pilot hub model
• Ensured the hub design supports culturally inclusive advice
• Designed the pilot hub to retain strong face‑to‑face access
• Added assisted digital support for UC journals and online forms
• Included digital skills and IT literacy as a core support strand
• Ensured the hub will test multiple access channels, not just digital
• Embedded a continuity‑of‑advisor approach in the pilot
• Ensured the hub model includes triage and quick‑access appointments
• Retained community‑based delivery
• Built in warm handovers between benefits, debt, and immigration support
• Test a  handover model between Welfare Rights and specialist debt teams
• Working with DWP to implement an enhanced debt provision for clients through a Money Advice Network
• Ensured the hub model includes co‑located benefits, debt, and immigration support
• Designed the pilot hub to bring benefits, debt, immigration, ESOL, employment, energy advice, housing advice and digital support together
• Built a no‑wrong‑door model so residents can access multiple services in one visit
• Ensured the pilot tests joined‑up referrals across council and VCS partners
• Introduced self‑help tools and digital support to build independence

Sandwell Council invited representations between 28 April and 9 June 2025 on three Main Modifications to the Sandwell Local Plan proposed by the Council. 

1. The proposed allocation of part of Rowley Regis Golf Course, Tippity Green, Rowley Regis, B66 9EJ for housing development. 
2. Changes to the wording of Policy SCC4 – Embodied Carbon and Waste.
3. The removal of Hill House Farm as a potential Habitat Bank for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and its replacement with Ray Hall Pastoral Land. 

Comments were made on the soundness and legal compliance of the proposed Main Modifications.

The proposed Main Modifications, supporting evidence and responses made to the consultation have been submitted to the Independent Planning Inspector appointed to examine the Sandwell Local Plan. The Inspector will decide whether to incorporate the Main Modifications into the Local Plan during the examination process.

To follow the examination of the Local Plan please visit https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/localplanexamination 

Residents were invited to share their views on our Good Neighbourhood Management Policy, which details how we will work with residents to create safe and supportive communities. The Good Neighbourhood Management Policy has been shared for feedback with our Tenant and Leaseholder Scrutiny Group. We also held an engagement session with residents to discuss our Good Neighbourhood Management Policy. Online consultation began on 24^th March and was open for five weeks, closing on 27^th April 2025.

Respondents told us that the policy should apply to all residents and not just tenants and leaseholders, and that the policy should more clearly outline the responsibilities of tenants and residents. Respondents also told us that the policy should be available in multiple languages to accommodate all residents.

In response to this feedback, we agree that the policy should be inclusive and encompass all types of residents, not just tenants and will reflect this in the policy. In addition, we will conduct a review of language barriers online, in person, and in policy documents, and revise the policy to include clear, specific actions for tenants and residents to be a responsible neighbour.

Amendments have been made to the policy where necessary. The finalised policies will be presented to Cabinet in May 2025, and a consultation report has been produced.

Residents were invited to share their views on our Tenancy Sustainment Policy, which details our approach to helping residents effectively manage and maintain their council tenancies. We held an engagement session with residents to discuss our Tenancy Sustainment Policy and online consultation began on 24^th March and was open for five weeks, closing on 27^th April 2025.

Respondents told us that overall, they agreed with what is being proposed and thought that the policy clearly explains what support will be provided. However, respondents shared concerns about how the policy will be implemented. Respondents also told us that the policy needs to ensure the information is relevant and available for vulnerable residents, particularly in terms of welfare rights and floating support, and that the policy needs to address when the council will support the sustainment of a tenancy or initiate an eviction. Respondents told us that the Noise Act of 1996 should be referenced in the policy.

We have reviewed the policy to ensure that information on support services available for vulnerable residents is included and up to date. We have also reviewed the balance between support and enforcement actions to ensure the policy is fair and clear. We acknowledge the importance of the Noise Act 1996, and we will ensure it is addressed appropriately within the Tenancy Sustainment Policy.

Amendments have been made to the policy where necessary. The finalised policies will be presented to Cabinet in May 2025, and a consultation report has been produced.

Residents were asked for their views on our Lift Maintenance and Breakdown Policy, which details our responsibility for ensuring that passenger lifts are regularly serviced, thoroughly inspected, tested, and efficiently repaired.

The council distributed and raised awareness of the policy in two housing policy engagement sessions, and with the Tenant and Resident Associations that represent areas with high-rise buildings. Additionally, we engaged with members of the Resident Building Safety Forum and other residents by post and email.

Online consultation took place over a 4-week period, from February 5th to March 5th, 2025.

Respondents were generally in support of the Lift and Maintenance Breakdown Policy but raised concerns about the council’s commitment to delivering on the promises and actions of the policy.

One of the strongest themes to emerge from the consultation, was respondents desire for improved communication from the council. Across multiple questions, respondents raised concerns that tenants are often not informed about maintenance and breakdowns in a timely or effective manner. While the policy commits to keeping residents updated, some felt that, in practice, this is not happening consistently.

However, despite these concerns, there was a broad agreement, that the responsibilities outlined in the policy were easy to understand and articulated clearly. Some respondents suggested improvements that could make the policy more accessible for tenants, such as providing information in multiple languages or audio formats for those with a disability or without English as a first language.

Responses have been carefully considered by the council and a consultation report has been produced. 

The servicing schedule will be published on our website, and we will contact tenants in advance, regarding any planned maintenance.

We will also conduct a review of language barriers online, in person, and in our policy documents. As part of the review, we will assess current online tools available for language support, identify gaps in language accessibility and develop a plan to implement additional resources or tools to address these gaps.

Residents were asked for their views on our Repairs and Maintenance Policy, which details how we will deliver a timely, high-quality, and customer-focused repairs service that adopts a right first-time approach, ensuring that homes are kept in good repair.

The policy was shared in two engagement sessions, as well as with various resident engagement groups, including the Tenant and Leaseholder Scrutiny Group and members of the Sandwell Community Information & Participation Service. 

Online consultation took place over a 4-week period, from February 5th to March 5th, 2025.

This consultation sought feedback on whether the policy is clear, whether respondents agreed with the aims of the policy, and whether respondents believed the policy to reflect the service in practise.

The consultation findings highlight broad support for the policy’s aims, while also underlining respondents concerns with the policy’s implementation, accessibility, and the council’s responsiveness to repairs.

While the majority of respondents support the policy's aims, respondents were sceptical about whether the council can deliver on them.

Concerns about accessibility were also raised, with respondents highlighting potential barriers for those with language difficulties, and those with limited digital access. The policy’s use of ‘plain language’ was praised, but there were calls for more accessibility support to ensure that all tenants can engage with the policy.

Respondents also told us that we need to be better at resolving damp and mould cases, that repairs timescales should be included in the policy, that all council staff must act in accordance with the policy, and that more information on Asbestos must be included in the policy. 

Responses have been carefully considered by the council and a consultation report has been produced. 

In response to resident feedback, we are developing a Damp and Mould Policy aimed at addressing these concerns in more detail. The policy will prioritise repairs for vulnerable residents. 

We will create a booklet that combines both the Repairs Policy and Tenant Handbook, which includes key performance indicators and service standards. 

We will deliver training on the new Housing Repairs and Maintenance Policy to all relevant staff, including Housing Officers and the Customer Service Team.

We will also conduct a review of language barriers online, in person, and in our policy documents. As part of the review, we will assess current online tools available for language support, identify gaps in language accessibility and develop a plan to implement additional resources or tools to address these gaps.

Residents were asked for their views on our Complaints Compensation Policy, which outlines how and when compensation will be provided to tenants and residents.

The Complaints Compensation Policy details our offer of reasonable compensation, to tenants and residents who have been negatively affected by failures in our service delivery.

The council shared the policy in two housing policy engagement sessions, as well as with various resident engagement groups, including the Tenant and Leaseholder Scrutiny Group and members of the Sandwell Community Information & Participation Service. 

Online consultation took place over a 4-week period, from February 5th to March 5th, 2025.

The consultation findings highlight mixed support for the Complaints Compensation Policy, with exactly half of respondents agreeing with the aims of the policy.

Those that disagreed with the aims of the policy raised concerns about its effectiveness and the council’s commitment to ensuring fair compensation for tenants. Some respondents stated that the council’s approach was more focused on minimising payments rather than addressing legitimate concerns.

Respondents also told us that the Complaints Compensation Policy should outline the expected timeframe for receiving a response, and that we should consider how we communicate with tenants who do not speak English as a first language. 

Responses have been carefully considered by the council and a consultation report has been produced. 

In response to resident feedback, we have added clear timescales to the Complaints Compensation Policy, outlining when tenants can submit complaints and the maximum time allowed for a formal response, to ensure transparency and accountability.

We will also conduct a review of language barriers online, in person, and in our policy documents. As part of the review, we will assess current online tools available for language support, identify gaps in language accessibility and develop a plan to implement additional resources or tools to address these gaps.

Residents were asked for their views on our Rechargeable Repairs Policy, which outlines the process for charging tenants for repairs caused by damage or neglect. 

The council shared the policy in two housing policy engagement sessions, as well as with various resident engagement groups, including the Tenant and Leaseholder Scrutiny Group and members of the Sandwell Community Information & Participation Service. 

Online consultation took place over a 4-week period, from February 5th to March 5th, 2025.

In total, 8 responses were captured by the online public consultation.

The majority of respondents (63%), agreed with the aims of the policy. One respondent disagreed with the aims of the policy. The majority of respondents also believed the policy to be clear and easy to understand. 

Respondents also told us that paper copies of the Tenant Handbook should be made available to tenants who cannot or do not access the internet, and that we should consider how we communicate with tenants who do not speak English as a first language. 

Responses have been carefully considered by the council and a consultation report has been produced. A copy of the report can be downloaded.

As a result of the feedback given by residents, we will conduct a review of language barriers online, in person, and in our policy documents. As part of the review, we will assess current online tools available for language support, identify gaps in language accessibility and develop a plan to implement additional resources or tools to address these gaps.

We will also create a repairs-specific booklet that combines information from the Repairs Policies and the Tenant Handbook into an easy-read document.

We held an in-person community workshop at the Oak Tree Centre and invited children from local schools and residents to participate in this interactive workshop. Alongside this an online consultation was running, this attracted over 70 responses, whilst the in-person workshop had 15 attendees from residents. Further workshops were also held with students from Causeway Green Primary and Brandhall Primary School.  We also held a workshop with a youth cohort from the local area at Bleakhouse Library. We asked residents and students to share their views on the former Brandhall golf course, to help shape the vision and masterplan for this green space/park.

3 Questions were asked:

1. What qualities do you value most about your local green space?
2. How do you use your local green space? What activities draw you there?
3. What would you consider to be the priorities for the design of the park?

A draft masterplan is being produced following the comments received from the consultation activities.

Sandwell Council published the Publication Sandwell Local Plan on 23 September 2024 and invited comments on its soundess and legal compliance until 11 November 2024.

Over 360 comments were made on the soundness and legal compliance of the Local Plan. 

The Publication Sandwell Local Plan, comments made on soundness and legal compliance, and supporting documents and information will be submitted to the Secretary of State. An Independent Planning Inspector will be appointed to examine the Local Plan in an open forum called an Examination in Public. To follow the progress of the Local Plan please visit https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/localplan and register for email updates at https://sandwell.oc2.uk/register/process/0 

Residents and community groups were asked for their views on our Mobility Scooter Policy, which is being revised. The policy sets out the council’s approach to promoting the use and safe storage of mobility scooters within the council’s communal spaces.

This public consultation has provided an opportunity to engage with our residents and community groups, helping us to make the best possible decisions it comes to the management of mobility scooter usage and storage, protecting the health and safety of all residents living in our accommodation, as well as staff and visitors.

In total, 17 responses were captured by the online public consultation. One more response was captured via phone and inputted into the online consultation.

Support across the questions was reasonably high, with respondents tending to either agree or strongly agree with the aims of the policy. The average agreement was 73%, showing a good level of support for the Mobility Scooter Policy overall.

Responses have been carefully considered by the council and a consultation report has been produced. A copy of the report can be downloaded below.

The consultation highlighted a number of additional suggestions which the council have been considered and adopted into the final version of Sandwell Council’s Mobility Scooter Policy. These recommendations will inform our management process for mobility scooters within low- and high-rise flats going forward.

As a result of the feedback given by our residents, we are now working on policy focusing on the safe use and storage of e-bikes and e-scooters in council-owned accommodation and public spaces. A consultation for this policy will be available in the near future.

We asked residents to share their views on their local open spaces including parks and gardens, sports facilities, spaces for nature, play spaces, allotments and community gardens.

Almost 800 people responded to the survey and provided their views on which open spaces they like to visit, the quality of these open spaces and how they could be improved in the future.

The results of the survey will inform the preparation of the new Sandwell Local Plan and the ongoing maintenance and investment programme of works for open spaces.

https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/localplan

https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/parks-green-spaces/green-spaces

One lucky respondent from each of the borough’s six towns has been informed that they have won a £25 shopping voucher in the prize drawer.

Between Monday 7 May 2024 and 11 June 2024 feedback was sought from individuals, businesses and local organisations on the proposed Wednesbury Town Centre Masterplan. Thank you to all respondents who took the time to provide us with feedback either through completing a survey or talking to us at the in-person event or workshops.

The consultation received 42 responses online as well as 8 submitted paper copies in addition to a range of comments from the in-person events and workshops with 7 community groups and Wood Green Sixth Form students. Further information was circulated informing residents, businesses and organisations about the consultation, such as through:

• Printed leaflets
• Paper copies of the questionnaire
• Council social media posts
• The Sandwell Consultation Hub online survey
• One in-person event in the town centre on 14^th May at Wednesbury Library
• Existing stakeholder/community contacts and networks 

62% of respondents to the online consultation agreed with the vision for the masterplan compared to 26% who disagreed. 66% agreed with the aims for Wednesbury town centre. 14% disagreed.

Creating a welcoming and inclusive town centre was considered the most important of the stated aims of the masterplan, followed by creating a consolidated and strengthened retail offer, and creating a well-connected place.

Comments typically referred to the need to support local shops and businesses and that new residents would increase footfall in the town. A number of respondents recognised the positive impact more residents would have on safety and high street viability as well as potentially providing the opportunity for increased opening hours for businesses and a more diverse nighttime economy.

74% of respondents supported improved pedestrian crossings at Holyhead Road, High Bullen and Dudley Street compared to 12% who did not.

64% of respondents support reducing traffic congestion in the town centre compared to 12% who do not. 20% of respondents said they were unsure whether they supported reducing traffic congestion.

Regarding the proposed development sites, generally (64%) respondents were supportive of new homes in the town centre compared with 10% being unsupportive. Commenters stressed the need for a variety of different types of homes and there were responses that raised concerns about both insufficient parking as well as over provision contributing to wasted spaces in highly accessible and sustainable locations.

Union Yard and Upper High Street were considered by respondents to be the highest priority development sites for delivery followed by High Bullen and Victoria Street with a number of comments suggesting that the indicative development on a number of sites did not provide enough homes in those locations.

52% of respondents support the key development principles of the High Bullen site compared to 12% who do not.

56% of respondents support the key development principles of the Union Yard site compared to 10% who do not.

72% of respondents support the promotion of building enhancements to improve energy efficiency compared to 10% who do not. There was also considerable support for promoting high standards of sustainability in new buildings where SMBC and partners have additional influence (76%).

A number of respondents were unclear as to what the proposed Net Zero Neighbourhood entails and would like to see additional detail. The proposals and the wording of the section has subsequently been made more accessible with clear examples included.

Options to increase the potential number of homes on the indicative development sites will be explored with partners at delivery stage.

Options are being explored to utilise funding to improve the appearance of shop fronts in the town centre reflecting the general feeling that many are in states of disrepair or considered unappealing.

Detailed design work and engagement with Sandwell Council Highways will be undertaken before any decisions on changes to traffic movements are made.

New CCTV has been installed on Union Street and proposals have been revised ensure its full visibility. As part of the public realm improvements to Union Street, lighting lanterns are being installed that both better respect the town’s heritage and will improve the sense of safety on the street in the evening.

Concerns were raised on the availability and cost of parking and public toilets in in the town centre. Newly installed wayfinding signage will provide directions to town centre car parks and the public toilet adjacent to Wednesbury Bus Station.

Concerns were raised regarding the moving of the outdoor market back to Market Place. The Council will continue to advertise the market stalls for commercial and community use. Improvements in the town will help to attract more events and traders.

The Department for Education Statutory Guidance for School Organisation regulations: ‘Making significant changes (‘prescribed alterations’) to maintained schools’ and The School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013 requires that when the Local Authority is proposing a significant alteration, i.e., a change to the age range, it must consult upon the proposal and make a formal decision to make the alteration permanent. 

Public consultation is in accordance with the statutory guidance produced by the Department for Education whereby ‘LAs can propose a change of age range of 1 year or more for community schools (including the adding or removal of nursery provision) by following the statutory process set out in the regulations’.

As an integral part of this process, residents were invitied you to take part in the consultation for the change of age range at Highfields Primary School from 3-11years to 5 - 11 years.  

Objection 1: “I understand a deficit of money is the primary reason for closure of Highfields Primary Nursery setting, however as the number of pupils suggest who attended in the previous year it’s clear you have enough pupils to attend 1 session rather than running 2 sessions per day.

Attending a school nursery setting is so vital to the child. The transition to reception makes it so much smoother if the child has already been in attendance at the school, the child will be less nervous and show more confidence having that experience and familiarisation of the building, teachers faces, routine etc. The early years are the most important part to get them ready for when the child attends school full time. It is the foundation of school life!

As a parent of an older child and one about to start nursery in September, I am extremely anxious about where my daughter will attend after having a very poor experience using a private nursery setting for my eldest. Regardless that private nurseries follow the EYFS it just isn’t the same! A school setting has that support network within the school, more structure than that of a private nursery. A lot of local private nurseries around Highfields are also asking parents for cost towards fees (even if they are entitled to government free childcare scheme) they say the government payment doesn’t cover the cost of the nursery and will also charge parents for their child’s lunch with no option of providing your own so you have to pay it! No private nursery allows your child to attend for 3 hours per day, you have to send your child to nursery which fits there schedule and not what is best for the child.”

Objection 2: “I currently have 1 child attending the school and 1 who we would love to attend the school. I went to the school myself and had a great experience and my boy is currently experiencing the same.

My youngest would hugely benefit from the provision that is being proposed to be shut down.

I’m currently looking at another school for her to attend but logistically it’s not feasible for this to happen, I would have to hugely rearrange my working conditions for this to happen and I fear it would put a huge financial strain on my young family.”

Objection 3: “I currently have an older child at Highfield Primary School with my younger child due to start nursery next year.  If there is no nursery at Highfields, the next school based nursery is Blackheath Primary School which is driving distance from our home.  This means we are logistically unable to get two children to two different schools for the same time each day, because of this if we do want our younger child to start nursery we would have no other choice but to consider private nurseries in the area.”

Three written objections to the proposed closure of the school’s Nursery from a potential cohort of parents / carers of 60 children that the Nursery has capacity to provide for each academic year is a very small representation to the proposal. 

The proposed closure is not purely based on the grounds of finance, but the reducing number of applications for nursery places over recent years.  The school’s management have advised that there was little demand for places for this academic year. 

Prospective demand for nursery places is extremely low which has rendered the school’s Early Years offer to be unsustainable to staff and resource, and not providing value for money.

Following the significant and unprecedented birth rate boom from 2008/09, and the subsequent demand that brought upon pupil capacity in schools with the need to expand the school building estate, current pupil projections do indicate the school population now continuing to reduce.  With the closure of the Nursery class at Highfields Primary School a number of school based and private nursery’s continue to operate within the local area offering alternative provision for young children and their families.

There are currently no further proposals to close any school-based Nursery’s within the Rowley Regis area.

For the reasons detailed in response to the three objections made, it is considered that these are not strong enough grounds to revoke the Statutory Proposal, and that the Cabinet Member has approve the recommendation to make the prescribed alteration at Highfields Primary School.