From July 2026, three organisations will take responsibility for day-to-day repairs, improvement work on properties, and preparing empty homes for new tenants. This will also include planned maintenance programmes such as kitchen and bathroom upgrades.

After a detailed procurement process, Equans, Wates and Mears have been awarded a 10-year contract to repair and maintain about 60,000 council homes, with a possible 5-year extension. Equans will manage homes in the east of Birmingham, Wates in the north and south of Birmingham, and Mears in the central and west of Birmingham.

The decision to appoint new contractors follows extensive tenant feedback and aims to provide modern service that is more helpful, flexible, responsive and focused on tenants.

New arrangements will make repairs easier and more convenient for tenants. This includes a digitised repairs journey designed to improve communication and tenant satisfaction.

Tenants can expect clearer communication about upcoming works, timeframes, and any changes, as well as more freedom to reschedule appointments when needed.

New technology and systems to track the condition of Birmingham’s council homes and to make them warmer and more sustainable to heat.

The new contract model offers better value for money for the council. It will support the delivery of the council’s investment programme, which is investing more than £200m a year to provide better council homes. The new contracts are vital to help the council achieve the Government’s Decent Homes requirements for all of Birmingham’s council homes by 2032.

In the past year, 35,000 upgrades have been made to 6,000 council homes.

Cllr Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said:

“The new contracts give us an opportunity to overhaul how we monitor repairs and maintenance of council homes and to ensure tenants are getting the quality of service our tenants rightly expect and deserve. Tenants should expect a more flexible and responsive service, with better communication.

“We are investing more than £200m a year to bring more council properties up to a better standard. We are installing new kitchens and bathrooms, and cutting energy bills by making homes cheaper and easier to heat. These new contracts will ensure we keep the pace of that investment so all our tenants and leaseholders are living in warm, safe and sustainable homes.”

The Carers’ Voice exhibition initially appeared at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery over the summer as part of the Made in Birmingham display.

Now the artworks, which bring the stories of unpaid carers to life, have found a permanent home in a new meeting room in the council’s headquarters in Victoria Square.

Organised by Forward Carers, which runs the Birmingham Carers Hub on behalf of the city council, the project was funded through the National Lottery Community Fund.

Cllr Mariam Khan, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “It is wonderful to see these amazing works of art in their new permanent home. Carers do vital work helping people who need extra support and these creations really make their voices heard and let us see their stories.

“We have over 91,000 unpaid carers in Birmingham who face real challenges and it is so moving to hear their stories. When the exhibition ended I was determined that we would find a permanent place for their work and instructed council officers to identify a suitable space where it could be regularly seen and appreciated. It was lovely to meet some of the carers who produced pieces again and it is an absolute joy to see their art on display again.”

Running from 9am to 1pm at the Library of Birmingham, the summit will bring together leaders from policing, education, health, community organisations and specialist services.

The summit’s central purpose is to present Birmingham’s VAWG Strategy and shape the delivery plan to be taken forward by partners throughout 2026 and beyond. The summit also aligns with national goals for a whole‑of‑society approach to tackling VAWG, reflecting the government’s cross‑department strategy focused on prevention, tackling root causes, and long‑term cultural change. The national plan highlights the ambition to halve VAWG within a decade, supported by early intervention and strong partnership action.

Key features on the day, include an interactive session focusing on how local organisations can collectively drive the cultural and systemic changes needed to prevent abuse and support victims, and a showcase of the innovative work already underway across the city, including:

• A briefing on the Winter of Action programme, which is tacking violence in our city centre.
• Active Bystander Training, equipping residents to safely intervene when they witness concerning behaviour.
• Project KAIA, a partnership between West Midlands Police and the FA promoting women’s safety through football.
• Supporting safer travel through digital tools such as the WalkSafe app.

These examples represent strong multi‑agency practice, echoing national expectations that local authorities lead coordinated, cross‑system responses to VAWG.

Councillor Tennant Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said: “Violence against women and girls has no place in our city, and Birmingham will lead with absolute determination to prevent it. This strategy is not just another document, it is a commitment to real and measurable change.

“We are bringing everyone together to prioritise prevention, strengthen support for victims, and challenge the behaviours and structures that enable harm. Our message is clear: Birmingham will not tolerate violence or intimidation in any form, and we will work relentlessly with our partners and communities to build a safer future for every woman and girl.”

The council and Lovell have begun drafting a partnership agreement, which is expected to be signed in spring 2026.

The agreement will set out the developer’s and council’s obligations to deliver the regeneration, including the requirement that 51% of homes on the scheme will be affordable.

A sustainable community of around 3,500 new homes will be built, alongside outstanding green spaces, new infrastructure and transport links, and revitalised commercial and community spaces.

An outline planning application submitted in March contains proposals for homes designed for people later in life, new community and sports facilities, and a vibrant high street that would serve as the community’s central hub.

Councillor Nicky Brennan on the proposed regeneration site at Druids Heath

Cllr Brennan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said:

“As someone who grew up in Druids Heath, I know just how important it is to deliver a sustainable, greener, and more connected community for generations to come. So, I am delighted that Lovell has been awarded the contract, to deliver thousands of high-quality, energy-efficient homes – over half of which will be affordable.

“I know how strongly residents feel about the regeneration, which is why we have worked with the community for over two years, holding discussions with more than 1,000 residents. I’m encouraged by the fact that 68 per cent of residents now support the scheme. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for everyone in Druids Heath.”

Stuart Penn, Regional Managing Director at Lovell, said:

“I am immensely proud that Lovell’s long-standing connection to Birmingham takes another step forward.

“This partnership agreement enables us to look much further than new buildings – it’s about creating genuine opportunity for local people and enhancing quality of life. It’s only by working together, with Birmingham City Council and the community, that we’re able to deliver this ambitious masterplan and create a Druids Heath that people will feel proud to call home for generations to come.

“We’re looking forward to delivering a neighbourhood that works for everyone – not just the few.”

The cabinet decision is subject to call-in until 26 January. If no valid call-in request is received before the deadline, the cabinet decision will be implemented.

Since 2024, Birmingham City Council has invested over £600 million as part of a £1.6bn plan to provide better council homes.

During this time, tenants have seen their energy bills reduced, and around 50 kitchens and 50 bathrooms have been refurbished each week. In the past year, 35,000 upgrades have been made across 6,000 council homes.

The investment is making homes warmer, safer, more comfortable and more sustainable, providing a massive difference in people’s lives. Stacey, a resident of the freshly refurbished Bromford, had struggled to heat her home in the past. After the upgrades, she now enjoys a cozy, safer home.

Stacey, said:

“I’ve lived in my home for almost 19 years. But the heating issues meant I’d make it all lovely inside and it still wouldn’t be comfortable. It was like a losing battle.”

“With the new windows installed, I can heat it up instantly and it actually stays cosy. While enclosing the ground-floor balcony means I no longer feel vulnerable to passersby. I’ve actually transformed the space into my very own home office – free from distractions at last!”

“And with everything looking new and fresh, people are taking better care of the area. It’s brought the community together.”

The council’s cabinet is set to approve continued record investment in council homes, aiming for 100% Decent Homes Standards compliance by 2032.

The council is funding the investment from its ring-fenced Housing Revenue Account, which is mainly supported by tenant and leaseholder rents. As a result, the council’s finances will not affect this programme.

Councillor Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said:

“I know that housing is the bedrock of opportunity; a warm, safe home is what allows people to flourish and grow. So I am delighted to see the difference our investment has made so far and the progress being made to ensure all our tenants and leaseholders are living in warm, safe and sustainable homes.

“Energy bills for many have been cut, homes are safer, and many tenants have had new kitchens and bathrooms installed. There’s still much more to do and we will keep up the pace of investment over the next six years, making this the country’s biggest investment in council homes.”

Ofsted commended the agency’s child-centred approach, noting that “children make positive progress from their starting points” and “adopters demonstrate a strong understanding of their children’s needs”.

Inspectors highlighted that staff are “therapeutic and empathetic” and praised their dedication to creating nurturing environments for both children and adopters. One adoptive parent shared: “The support, training, advice and guidance we are offered is invaluable. Plus, therapy and support for our children. Our social worker keeps in regular contact and there are lots of activities for our children and us as a family”.

Councillor Mick Brown, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “I’m delighted to read that Adopt Birmingham continues to make a real difference to children and families. It is clear from the report that adoptive parents value the dedication and commitment of our staff and that children progress well when they are adopted.”

James Thomas, Chief Executive of Birmingham Children’s Trust, added: “We are really proud of this inspection report and the description of our service as child-centred, inclusive and supportive.  Adopting a child is a massive, life-changing decision so I’m particularly pleased that families speak so highly about the support they receive from our staff throughout their adoption journey. This outcome is a testament to our dedicated staff and the strength of our partnership work.”

Ofsted’s inspection also reaffirmed the agency’s strong structure, leadership, and safeguarding practices, with its most recent evaluation in September 2025 showing excellence in leadership and management. Adopt Birmingham continues to set the highest standards in recruitment, matching, therapeutic guidance, and family support.

Read the full report here.

Find out more about Adopt Birmingham here.

They have also collected around 245 tonnes daily from our household recycling centres.

In all over the past year, 321,121 tonnes of household waste was collected in 2025, five per cent more than the previous year.

The mobile waste centres were out 198 times across 26 wards.

Despite the ongoing industrial action, missed collections are down by 52% compared to before the strikes – a big step forward.

There has also been a 22% improvement on tonnage collected per employee compared to before the strikes.

Over the Christmas period we had additional clean-up crews from our three depots targeting fly-tipping hotspots.

Since 1 April last year we have seized 23 vehicles for fly-tipping and issued 462 fixed penalty notices of £1,000 each for fly-tipping offences.

Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “This just shows what we can do using more efficient routes and technology and this will continue to improve as we roll out the new service.

“We have done all we can to support residents during the industrial action, including extending opening hours of our household recycling centres over the summer and Christmas as well as extra deployment of the mobile waste centres.

“I know residents are frustrated and I’m sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate their patience. I’m really grateful for the many volunteers and community groups who are supporting us and helping their fellow residents during this challenging time.”

Councillor Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, welcomed the move.

“We welcome the government’s decision to grant councils new powers to keep pavements clear. These powers will help us make our pavements safer, more accessible and more inclusive for everyone who relies on them.

“We need to change the way we move goods and people around the city and be less reliant on private cars which is why our Birmingham Transport Plan encourages people to use active travel in their neighbourhoods.

“Inconsiderate and illegal pavement parking creates barriers to walking and cycling and for those who need mobility aids, and can contribute to road collisions.

“These new measures, which we have been pushing for, will go a long way to help communities move safely around the city.”

Details of the measures can be found here.

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE will lead the event on Monday 26 January. The event is free, open to all, and starts at 11am.

‘Bridging Generations’ is the theme of this year’s event – reminding us all that the responsibility of remembrance belongs to all of us, to engage with the past, to honour the stories of survivors, and to carry forward the lessons into future generations.

Holocaust Memorial Day commemorates the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and Nazi persecutions, as well as other genocides around the world.

This Memorial Day marks anniversary of Auschwitz-Birkenau’s liberation, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex and commemorates the millions of lives lost through Nazi persecution and the genocides in Bosnia, Cambodia, Rwanda and Darfur.

This year’s programme will feature a candle-lighting remembrance ceremony and testimony from Mindu Hornick MBE, Nyathesis Kwawang and Rebecca Kwawang, who will talk about the generational experiences of Genocide survivors and their families alongside poignant music and poetry performances.

Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, Lord Mayor of Birmingham, said:

“Holocaust Memorial Day is an opportunity for us to come together, reflect on the past, and apply its lessons in fostering a more inclusive future.

We will light a candle to remember the victims of atrocities and genocides across the world, as well as those who continue to lose their lives through war, conflict, and hate crime.

I hope as many people as possible will join us at the Council House on 26 January in this act of remembrance.”

Holocaust Memorial Day is 27 January and people across the UK are being asked to join the Light the Darkness moment and to safely light a candle their window at 8pm, for a national moment of remembrance.

For more details please visit the Holocaust Memorial Day website

Birmingham’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol has been activated due to snow and very cold temperatures.

The protocol is activated when a yellow weather warning is in place from the MET office, or when temperatures have a real feel of zero degrees or below.

Beds are available to anyone who wants one, with agencies mobilising to provide opportunities for rough sleepers to get a free hot drink, meal or hot shower.

If members of the public see anyone sleeping rough, they are being encouraged to make a report on StreetLink. The referral will be sent to a Rough Sleeper Outreach Team, who will find the person sleeping rough and provide them with shelter.

The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol was activated on 5 January and will remain in place until the weather improves.

Cllr Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said:

“As the weather turns colder, it’s really important people know that no one needs to sleep rough in Birmingham this winter. There is a safe bed available for anyone who wants one.

“We have support in place all year round for people who are sleeping rough, and when temperatures drop below freezing we step that support up even further to make sure people are safe.

“You may still see people sleeping rough during cold spells, and if you do, please let us know through StreetLink so our outreach teams can check in with them and offer help.

“We will continue to work closely with charities, faith groups and partner organisations, and to prioritise securing the funding needed, so that anyone sleeping on our streets is treated with dignity, care and compassion.”

Birmingham’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol is activated by Trident Reach on behalf of Birmingham City Council.

Nigel Wilson, Trident Group Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Trident Reach is proud of its committed and long term partnership with Birmingham City Council to support the homeless and rough sleepers in the city.

“During these difficult weather conditions our outreach teams are working directly within the community to find safe, warm places to stay, for those that need it most.

“We are determined to help keep vulnerable people across the city safe and supported.”