In the UK Millions of people gamble every year – whether that be putting money on a horse, playing at a casino, or a bet on the football, much of which is done via Smartphones and more so recently Smartwatches. Technology has transformed the gambling industry and people can bet 24 hours a day through ‘mobile virtual casinos’ in their pockets.

Most people play without issue, but there are far too many cases of addiction, catastrophic financial loss and, in some tragic cases, suicide. For example, one player was allowed to lose £70,000 over a 10-hour period, while one customer was allowed to place a £100,000 bet immediately, even though he supposedly had a £70,000 credit limit.

Estimates suggest that there are roughly 300,000 problem gamblers in the UK – and problem gambling rates are higher for players in online casino games than those playing in bingo halls, casinos and pubs.

Last month, the Gambling Commission fined William Hill over £19 million for failures including allowing a customer to spend £23,000 in just 20 minutes.

Betting companies are already required to prevent harm, but there have been repeated instances where they have allowed losses which the majority of the population could never afford. The measures set out today will shield players in the grip of addiction from harm and hold gambling firms to account when they fail in their responsibility. They include:

• A statutory gambling operator levy to ensure that operators help fund treatment services and research, including through the NHS. ​Currently the size of the contribution is not mandated and not all betting companies pay their fair share – some have paid as little as £1.
• New stake limits for online slots games that will be between £2 and £15 per spin. We will also consult on measures to give greater protections for 18–24 year olds who the evidence shows are at heightened risk of harm.
• Frictionless player protection checks to protect those most at risk of harm before unaffordable or harmful losses are incurred.
• Extra powers for the Gambling Commission to enable it to tackle black market operators through court orders and work with internet service providers (ISPs) to take down and block illegal gambling sites.
• Rules to prevent bonus offers harming vulnerable people – for example, looking at how free bets or spins are constructed and targeted to stop them being harmful.
• Closing loopholes to make sure under-18s cannot gamble either online or via cash fruit machines, and includes bringing football pools betting in line with National Lottery play for over-18s only.
• A new industry ombudsman to deal with disputes and rule on redress where a customer suffers losses due to an operator failing in their player protection duties.
• A review of the current horserace betting levy to make certain racing continues to thrive.

These are the most comprehensive reforms to the gambling sector since the Gambling Act was introduced in 2005.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “We live in an age where people have a virtual mobile casino in their pockets. It has made gambling easier, quicker and often more fun, but when things go wrong it can see people lose thousands of pounds in a few swipes of the screen.”

“So we are stepping in to update the law for those most at risk of harm with a new levy on gambling operators to pay for treatment and education, player protection checks and new online slots stake limits.”

“This will strengthen the safety net and help deliver our long-term plan to help build stronger communities while allowing millions of people to continue to play safely.”

Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew said: Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, Andrew Rhodes, said: “The review is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver positive change for gambling in Great Britain and for all people impacted by it. Everyone at the Commission welcomes today’s publication of the White Paper and is determined to work with government and partners to make these changes a reality.”

“Given the correct powers and resources, the Gambling Commission can continue to make gambling safer, fairer and crime free. This White Paper is a coherent package of proposals which we believe can significantly support and protect consumers, and improve overall standards in the industry.”

“As the detailed implementation of the review now begins, we will also be reiterating to all operators that the Commission will strongly maintain its focus on consumer protection and compliance.”

Today’s White Paper and proposals follow a call for evidence and are based on nearly 16,000 written submissions sent to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) during the process.

They build on work with the Gambling Commission and others to ban the use of credit cards in gambling, introduce tighter age verification checks for betting online and cutting the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals to £2 per spin.

The white paper follows the Premier League’s voluntary decision to ban gambling advertising from the front of clubs’ shirts from the end of the 2025/2026 season, and the White Paper includes proposals for all major sports governing bodies to sign up to a cross-sport Code of Practice on gambling sponsorship. It will be designed to improve standards where gambling sponsorship is prevalent in sport similar to what is in place in the alcohol industry.

The white paper will support the ‘land-based’ gambling sector including casinos, arcades and bingo halls, while maintaining safeguards to protect vulnerable groups. Bingo halls, seaside arcades and casinos create employment, generate tourism and provide entertainment. Outdated and overly restrictive rules on gaming machines will be reformed so casinos and arcades can have more machines. The Government will also consult on the protections needed for gaming machines to be able to accept cashless payments directly.

For a full copy of the white paper, see ‘High stakes: gambling reform for the digital age – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)’

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West Midlands Police have paid tribute to former Assistant Chief Constable Chris Johnson MSC QPM who sadly died last week (20/04) at the age of 55.

Chris had 29 years’ service at West Midlands Police starting as a PC then working through the ranks up to ACC. He had worked in many areas of the force including as the commander of Birmingham and Dudley police units as well as leading force contact, traffic, response and operations which covered a range of specialist teams.

In 2018, Chris was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease; he vowed to continue fighting crime and serving the public and he was the executive lead for Birmingham’s Commonwealth Games 2022 until his retirement in September 2020. On his final day at WMP, Chris completed his fundraising challenge to walk 5,000 steps to represent someone living with MND in the UK.

One of Chris’ proudest moments in his career was being presented with the Queen’s Police Medal in honour of almost three decades of policing. He received the award during a special ceremony in Birmingham attended by family members, the then Home Secretary Sajid Javid and other dignitaries including the Vice Lord-Lieutenant and Birmingham Lord Mayor.

Chris was keen for others to know that an MND diagnosis does not need to be a career barrier and coined the phrase “It’s ok not to be ok”. Following his retirement, he continued to campaign and raise awareness of the disease as well as thousands of pounds for charities.

ACC Claire Bell paid tribute to her colleague and friend: “Chris is an absolute legend, I was lucky to work closely with him on a number of occasions and to call him a friend and colleague. He is one of the most genuine, kind hearted public servants I have met.

“He taught me many things and inspired me even more – he will be sadly missed by so many but has left an incredible legacy here in West Midlands Police – I hope Sharon, Katie, Harry and the rest of his family are incredibly proud of him.”

Chris’ wife Sharon and his children Katie and Harry said: “Chris fought a long and hard battle with MND. But he was true to his word and it did not define him.

“As a family we are absolutely devastated but will continue to join that fight to find a cure for MND to stop other families from going through what we have.

“We are taking comfort from all your love and support – so thank you.”

For more information about MND visit: www.mndassociation.org/about-mnd

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West Mercia Police have launched an investigation after a man was rammed off his bicycle by a car and then robbed in Forhill in Worcestershire.

At 3pm on Tuesday 25 April, the victim was riding his bicycle on Icknield Street in Forhill near to the junction with Red Hill Road, close to Woodrush Rugby Club when he was followed and rammed off his bike by a car which is described as a gold coloured 4×4.

Masked offenders then got out of the car to assault the victim further and demanding the victim’s property before making off in the same car with his bike towards Red Hill Road.

The stolen bike is a ‘Scott Hardtail Mountain Bike’, in Dark Moss colour and is believed to be of large financial value.

Detective Sergeant Emma Webb, North Worcestershire CID said “I would like to appeal to any possible witnesses who were in the area on Tuesday afternoon who saw anything suspicious to please get in contact with us. Also, anyone who may have any CCTV or dash-cam that may of picked up the gold coloured 4×4 car involved? I am circulating a picture of the stolen bike – have you seen or been offered this bike? Please contact me on 101 extension 773 2133 or email the team: dl-dcid@westmercia.police.uk“

Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.

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West Midlands Police are trying to trace this man in connection with the murder of Ronique Thomas in Kings Heath last month.

Detectives want to question Kody Stephens – who also goes under the name Stephenson – over the death of Mr Thomas in the early hours of 26 April.

Police really need to hear from anyone who has information on the whereabouts of the 20-year-old so they can trace and question him.

Mr Thomas, aged 33, was found with stab injuries in High Street at around 2.30am and was sadly confirmed dead at the scene.

Officers already charged a 17-year-old boy and 20-year-old man with murder, robbery and possession of a bladed article.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website, or calling 101, and quote log number 255 of 26/4/23.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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When it comes to raising a glass to celebrate its 15 years in Birmingham, Staying Cool is doing it in style by turning its iconic Rotunda home into a limited-edition beer.

The ‘Rotunda Pale’ collab with Birmingham Brewing Company is part of Staying Cool’s Creative Heights II celebration of city architecture, art, food and drink, in support of local charities including LoveBrum.

The independent aparthotel at the top of Rotunda is marking its 15th birthday with its second year-long programme of events to showcase the wealth of talent in the city’s creative industries.

The first Creative Heights celebration took place in 2018 to mark Staying Cool’s tenth birthday, with events selling out immediately.

Creative Heights II was launched on Thursday 18 May, with the unveiling of a sky-high piece of ‘COOOOL’ window artwork in a Staying Cool penthouse, featuring Birmingham’s post-war architecture designed and illustrated by city-based Window Artists.

The Window Artists illustration features Brutiful Birmingham buildings including Smallbrook Ringway, Alpha Tower, New Street Signal Box and, of course, Rotunda itself.

Working with fellow indies from across Birmingham, Creative Heights II is giving a sky-high platform to even more talented artists, local designers and food and drink providers. Residents and visitors to Birmingham alike will have the opportunity to visit Rotunda and take part in workshops drawing the skyline, listen to literature talks or see new art against the stunning backdrop of the Brum cityscape.

Food and drink pairing events with long-term collaborators the Wilderness will showcase local independent venues from the city’s booming dining scene and will shine a light on restaurants, with the support of creative drinks providers.

Gavin Burns, Staying Cool at Rotunda general manager, said: “What better way of celebrating 15 fantastic years in Birmingham than with our very own beer – the Rotunda Pale.

“Partnering and promoting Birmingham’s brilliant independent businesses has been at the heart of our thinking since we welcomed Staying Cool’s first guests back in 2008. We’re so thrilled that we are still giving creatives a platform all these years later.”

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Birmingham City Council’s new Cabinet has been announced.

At the annual meeting of the council in the Council Chamber on Tuesday (23 May), Cllr John Cotton was confirmed as the new Leader of the city council, while Cllr Sharon Thompson was confirmed as Deputy Leader.

Cllr Cotton also announced the rest of his Cabinet, which sees Cllrs Saima Suleman and Nicky Brennan join existing Cabinet Members Brigid Jones, Karen McCarthy, Jayne Francis, Majid Mahmood, Liz Clements and Mariam Khan.

Cllr Cotton said: “I’m proud to be working with a talented team that has the vision, ability and experience to really take the city forward. The cabinet is 80 per cent female and also reflects the amazing diversity of our great city. We’re ready to work with and for every single community to deliver the service improvements our citizens deserve.”

Full list of the Cabinet:

• Cllr John Cotton – Leader
• Cllr Sharon Thompson – Deputy Leader
• Cllr Brigid Jones – Finance
• Cllr Jayne Francis – Housing & Homelessness
• Cllr Majid Mahmood – Environment
• Cllr Liz Clements – Transport
• Cllr Karen McCarthy – Children, Young People & Families
• Cllr Mariam Khan – Health & Social Care
• Cllr Saima Suleman – Digital, Culture, Heritage & Tourism
• Cllr Nicky Brennan – Social Justice, Community Safety & Equalities

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Six people are in hospital after a collision involving a car and a bus.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Pershore Road in Edgbaston at 1.07pm.

Four ambulances, two paramedic officers, a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival, crews discovered the driver of the car, a man, was in a critical condition.

“Ambulance staff immediately began administering advanced life-support before conveying him on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for continued treatment.

“Two male passengers of the bus were treated by ambulance staff for potentially serious injuries and taken to the same hospital for further treatment.

“A female passenger was treated by medics for injuries not believed to be serious and taken to Birmingham Women’s Hospital for further treatment.

“A child from onboard the bus was taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital with minor injuries.

“A sixth patient, who was the female passenger of the car, was assessed by ambulance staff but did not require hospital treatment. She was given self-care advice before being discharged at the scene.”

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The cost of living in the UK is a concern for us all with rising prices for essentials such as housing, food, and utilities. According to a recent study, overall, the average cost of living in the UK has risen by 18% over the past decade alone.

With these rising costs, many are looking for ways to save money and make ends meet. One way to potentially boost your income without spending a single penny is by signing up to Pick My Postcode.

Pick My Postcode is a free website that offers users the chance to win cash prizes every day. To participate, all you need to do is sign up with your postcode and email address. Once registered, you will be entered into the daily prize draw, and if your postcode matches the winning postcode, you win the cash prize. The site is funded by ads so the income the site generates is passed back onto its users.

The amount of the prize varies each day, but daily we’ve typically seen prizes around £800. If there are multiple winners, the prize is split evenly among them. The website also offers a referral program, where users can earn additional entries into the prize draw by referring friends and family to sign up.

While Pick My Postcode is not a guaranteed source of income, it can be a helpful supplement to your finances. If you are lucky enough to win a prize, it can provide some extra cash to help with the cost of living.

For example, if you are struggling to pay your utility bills, winning a prize could help cover the cost. Alternatively, if you are saving up for a big purchase such as a new car or home, winning a prize could help you reach your goal faster.

Even if you don’t win a prize, participating can be a fun and exciting way to potentially earn some extra cash without spending any money.

Other Ways to Save Money

While the site can be a helpful way to potentially boost your income, it is important to also consider other ways to save money and reduce your expenses. Some tips to help with the cost of living include:

• Creating a budget and tracking your expenses – Budgeting – Which?
• Shopping around for the best deals on essentials such as groceries and utilities
• Cutting back on non-essential expenses such as dining out and entertainment
• Considering ways to earn extra income, such as freelancing or starting a side business – The complete checklist on starting a business the simple way – Small Business UK

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Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has introduced social tariffs, which offer cheaper broadband and phone packages to those on low incomes. Social tariffs are special packages offered by broadband and phone companies to customers who are on low incomes or who are considered vulnerable.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of internet connectivity, especially for those who are vulnerable or on low incomes. However, not everyone can afford the high cost of broadband and phone packages. To address this issue, Ofcom has introduced social tariffs, which offer cheaper broadband and phone packages to those who need them.

Social tariffs are designed to be more affordable than regular broadband and phone packages, making them accessible to those who might otherwise struggle to afford them. Eligibility for social tariffs varies depending on the provider, but generally, they are available to those who are on certain benefits, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit.

The scheme requires providers to offer a package that costs no more than £15 per month and provides a minimum download speed of 30Mbps, although right now some providers are offering prices below the minimum at just £12 per month.

To view which providers are offering a social tariff and the costs visit the Ofcom website: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/social-tariffs#full-list-of-available-tariffs

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West Midlands Police have arrested a 27-year-old man following a hit and run on Kings Heath High Street this morning (15/06).

Emergency services were called to Kings Heath High Street at 8:51am after multiple reports of a car hitting pedestrians whilst crossing the road.

West Midlands Ambulance Service arrived on scene in 9 minutes, shortly followed by a second ambulance, two paramedic officers, a BASICS doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford.

A child and was taken to hospital by Air Ambulance with serious injuries and remains in a critical but stable condition. A woman with leg and head injuries was taken by land ambulance.

A blue BMW One Series which was suspected of being involved in the collision was found abandoned and officers carried out immediate enquiries around the vehicle and who may have been involved.

The man remains in custody on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drink/drugs.

Investigators are asking for anyone with information to please contact them via Live Chat on the WMP website, or by calling 101, and quote log 984 of 15 June.

Police are also keen to hear from anyone with dash cam footage. Footage can be sent by email to sciu@westmidlands.police.uk.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered two pedestrians and a vehicle had been involved in a collision.

“Ambulance crews immediately began administering advanced trauma care to the first patient, a child, before conveying him via land ambulance to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further treatment.

“The second patient, a woman, was treated by ambulance staff for serious injuries and conveyed by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment.”

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A series of changes to roads in Bournville and Cotteridge could be on the way as the Birmingham City Council’ initiative Places for People puts forward plans to minimise through traffic and create safer streets for people of all ages.

In an effort to prioritise the well-being of residents and enhance the livability of residential neighborhoods, the innovative Places for People initiative is taking steps to reduce traffic congestion across different areas of Birmingham. The endeavor aims to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists to traverse the streets while creating a pleasant outdoor environment for children to play and neighbors to socialise.

Over the recent years residents have voiced concerns over the increased traffic volumes in the area particularly on side roads which are increasingly being used as rat runs, shortcuts drivers take to avoid main roads. The measures which are now set to come to Bournville and Cotteridge are designed to curb traffic, reduce noise pollution, improve air quality and an overall sense of enhanced safety.

The core principle behind Places for People is to strike a balance where residents can still access their streets by car, welcome visitors, and receive deliveries while discouraging through traffic from traversing the area without a genuine purpose.

Places for People gained traction in 2020 when temporary measures were introduced in Bournville. Large planters and bollards were strategically placed on Oak Tree Lane and Franklin Road, effectively preventing motorized vehicles from using these side streets as cut-throughs to bypass main thoroughfares. The success of this pilot program has prompted the expansion of the initiative throughout the entirety of Bournville & Cotteridge Ward, with further modifications aimed at directing through traffic onto the main roads.

The council has now launched an online consultation with a series of drop-in events to gather thoughts from local residents and people that work in the area.

Interventions are expected to be in the form of:

• Modal filters – A bollard (or planter) that stops vehicles driving all the way along a street whilst retaining full access for pedestrians and cyclists.
• One-way streets – Streets that only allow traffic in one direction, access for critical amenities, such as shops and schools is maintained.
• Segregated cycle tracks – These cycle routes allocate a section of the carriageway/ footway for cycle use only. Some physical separation is often used to stop motor vehicles from entering the space.
• On street cycle routes – A section of street suitable for cyclists to mix with general traffic, due to low vehicle speed and volume.
• Shared use paths – A shared path is designed for all types of users including pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists. Shared paths may be identified by signs showing a white bicycle and pedestrians on a blue background.
• Signalised crossings – Crossings that are controlled by traffic signals for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles, often used where vehicle speeds are high or where there is a high number of pedestrians and cyclists.
• Raised zebra/parallel crossings – Raised zebra crossings combine traffic calming measures with pedestrian crossings, raised parallel crossings include the provision for cyclists to cross without having to dismount. These crossings encourage drivers to travel at their slowest where pedestrians and cyclists are crossing.
• Kerb adjustments at junctions – The corners of the kerb line at junctions are tightened, which forces vehicles to navigate the junction at a slower speed, widens the footway at the junction, and reduces the crossing distance for pedestrians.
• Traffic Calming – Measures such as speed cushions, speed humps and chicanes can be introduced to keep a street open to all traffic but to discourage its use by those who don’t need to use it for local trips.

The consultation can be found at: www.birminghambeheard.org.uk/economy/bournvillecotteridgepfp

Consultation Events

• Teams live briefing session – Register at https://bournvillecotteridgepfp.eventbrite.co.uk
• Drop-in session at Selly Oak Methodist Church – From 20 Jun 2023 at 16:00 to 20 Jun 2023 at 19:00, Langleys Rd, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 6HT
• Drop in session at Dame Elizabeth Hall – From 24 Jun 2023 at 10:00 to 24 Jun 2023 at 13:00, Dame Elizabeth Hall, Firbank Cl, Bournville, Birmingham B30 1UA

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City leaders have issued a joint statement on road safety after demonstration action in Kings Heath last Sunday (18/06).

West Midlands Police Statement

Chief Inspector Rebecca Barnsley, from the Central Motorway Policing Group, said: “West Midlands Police is committed to making our roads safer by tackling dangerous drivers, criminals and offenders who pose a serious risk to themselves and other road users.

“Since April, we have launched investigations into collisions where people have been killed on our roads as either a passenger, driver, cyclist or pedestrian. These truly sad and tragic incidents have brought devastation and loss to families and loved ones and we understand that people are concerned.

“We are working to bring to justice those responsible for causing the devastation and long life impact incidents like these have on victims, families and communities.

“However, that’s not the end of our work as we understand that we need to support our vulnerable road users. We do this by working with our, local authorities, the government, partners and voluntary sectors. Across the West Midlands we also have hundreds of volunteers who give up their time to help make our streets safer.

“Alongside our partners we will continue to listen to the community, target ‘hotspot’ areas and focus on increasing the safety of all road users across the West Midlands.

“We regularly conduct speeding operations and work with our local communities and volunteers with speedwatch operations in areas where we’ve been told that speeding is a concern.

“Local authorities have brought in car cruising injunctions across Birmingham and the Black Country which we police and conduct regular operations.

“However, not all collisions involve speeding drivers and we conduct regular traffic operations that target drivers who use the roads whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“We also conduct regular operations to tackle speeding and mobile phone use while driving and deal with safety issues like not wearing seatbelts, inappropriate child safety, and window tints which reduce vision.”

Birmingham City Council Statement

Councillor Liz Clements, cabinet member for transport at Birmingham City Council, said: “We’ve all been saddened by the recent terrible incidents on our roads involving cyclists and pedestrians and our thoughts are with families and friends of those affected. If we want our vision of better road safety to be a reality we can all agree that we can’t wait to make any necessary infrastructure changes.

“So, in order to do this quickly we must transform our existing public spaces so they prioritise people rather than vehicles – that is how we can achieve a change in behaviour.

“For far too long we have given priority to cars and other motor vehicles and this must change; we have set out in our transport plan how we want Birmingham to be a place to live and be, not drive and park.

“We want to see speed reduction from 40 to 30 mph on arterial roads in our inner city areas worst affected by dangerous driving and speeding and alongside police colleagues we will have a zero tolerance approach to enforcement. We will also pilot increased ‘green times’ for active travel modes at a number of signal controlled junctions and crossings giving greater priority to non-motor vehicles.

“If we work together to prioritise people we can do this.”

Anne Shaw OBE Executive Director of Transport for West Midlands

“It is essential that we continually review and refresh our approach to road safety to ensure that the regional partnership is working towards a common goal with a long-term mission, whereby nobody is killed on our roads.

“The recent heartbreaking deaths have demonstrated we still have a long way to go to achieve our vision of zero deaths.

“As the transport authority we play an overarching and strategic role and we are currently developing our latest iteration of the Regional Road Safety Strategy. This will provide an updated blueprint for partners in how to make meaningful steps to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.

“We are taking a systematic approach to make the network safe, but it requires intense partnership working to make it a success. I know that view is shared by the police and local authorities in the region.

“We will continue to play our role through the development of the Local Transport Plan, the road safety strategy and enabling delivery partners to improve road infrastructure through the £1billion City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.”

Adam Tranter, West Midlands Cycling and Walking Commissioner

“The recent tragic incidents on Birmingham’s roads need to result in decisive action. We have to turn the tide on aggressive driving in Birmingham and make it a safe place for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

“The Mayor and I are pleased to see West Midlands Police, Birmingham City Council and TfWM redouble their efforts towards achieving Vision Zero.

“We need to move quickly through a combination of design, policy and enforcement to improve road safety in the city.

“We should not and will not accept the kind of dangerous and anti-social driving that blights our communities.

“I will do all I can as Commissioner, with the support of the Mayor, to ensure all stakeholders work together quickly to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe on our streets.”

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A man has sadly died after an incident in Selly Oak in the early hours of this morning.

At 4:46am, West Midlands Ambulance Service received a call from the police regarding a patient in the water at the Worcester and Birmingham Canal near Raddlebarn Road.

Within six minutes, the first ambulance arrived at the scene, swiftly followed by a second ambulance, a paramedic officer, the MERIT trauma doctor, a critical care paramedic, and the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival, crews discovered one patient, a man, who had been pulled from the water by police colleagues and was in a critical condition.

“Ambulance staff immediately began providing advanced life support.

“However, despite their best efforts, it sadly became apparent nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the man’s family and friends at this difficult time.

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The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, said: “My thoughts are with the victims and their families, who have recently been tragically and avoidably killed and seriously injured in road traffic collisions.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner and as Chair of the West Midlands Road Safety Strategic Group, preventing and tackling crime and anti-social behaviour on our roads, promoting road harm reduction and reducing the number of people tragically and avoidably killed and seriously injured on our roads are top priorities.

“We need a range of collaborative action by partners locally, regionally and nationally. That includes West Midlands Police, the West Midlands Combined Authority, the Metro Mayor, local authorities, National Highways and central government, if we are to reduce the number of people tragically and avoidably killed and seriously injured on our roads.

“That includes improved public transport, more active travel, lower traffic neighbourhoods, an improved regulatory environment and all of us being mindful of the duty of care that we all owe to other road users.

“Unfortunately, the reckless financial cuts imposed by central government on West Midlands Police over the past 12 years and the consequential loss of police officers and staff, have made it significantly more difficult to prevent and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour on our roads. That was a big mistake and it has undoubtedly contributed to a rise in crime and anti-social behaviour on our roads.

“The action I am taking and will continue to take as Police and Crime Commissioner includes:

• Holding West Midlands Police to account to prevent, tackle and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour on our roads;
• Rebuilding community policing, because we need preventative, proactive and visible policing, including enforcement and community Speed Watch schemes;
• Supporting the roll out of average speed enforcement cameras;
• Funding and supporting action to prevent and tackle anti-social and dangerous car cruising and street racing;
• Delivering a review of the West Midlands Road Safety Strategy in 2023;
• Supporting police operations to prevent dangerous, drink and drug driving;
• Campaigning for government to allow the West Midlands to retain fixed penalty fines from average speed enforcement cameras, to invest in road safety;
• Recognising the opportunities for third party reporting and understanding the pressing need to ensure improvement of this method of enforcement;
• Working with local authorities to take on responsibility for moving road traffic contraventions and to ensure a region wide approach;
• Supporting the UK’s first dedicated Family Liaison Unit and a Road Collision Project, to ensure that the rights and welfare of victims are safeguarded; and
• Committing to Vision Zero, to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads by at least 50% by 2030 and for all deaths and serious injuries to be eliminated from the West Midlands by 2041.

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Veteran, double amputee and Paralympic gold medallist Stuart Robinson who was injured during his fourth tour of Afghanistan, is celebrating the remarkable 10-year anniversary of the military home away from home, Fisher House.

The House which is run by University Hospitals Birmingham Charity sits within the Queen Elizabeth Hospital site and was opened by HM The King on June 21, 2013, whilst he was still HRH The Prine of Wales.

Stuart and his family were among the first to stay at Fisher House, whilst he underwent ten-months of treatment at the QE Hospital.

The celebration is not only a landmark occasion for the Charity but for Birmingham as a whole as the Queen Elizabeth Hospital is unique in that it is the UK’s only military hospital.

When a member of the military is injured abroad, they are flown directly to Birmingham Airport and taken straight to the QE to be treated by UHB doctors who are experts in dealing with major trauma injuries. Many families have to then travel to Birmingham from all over the UK and even abroad, and are faced with paying for hotels, petrol and parking.

Fisher House offers them free accommodation on site with only a 5-minute walk from their loved ones. As it’s purely for the family of military personnel it provides them a supportive environment where individuals can connect with others facing similar challenges.

It’s also a home for military personnel and veterans who may have other illnesses and need treatment at the QE from cancer treatment to transplants. Given the potential duration of their stays, which can span weeks or even months, the house offers a comforting space for their families to stay nearby and feel secure.

The charity shoulders the cost of £40 per night to accommodate military families during their times of need. In the past decade alone, Fisher House has supported over 7,000 families, providing more than 40,000 nights of free accommodation.

Stuart said, “Having my family so close to where I was being treated, gave me so much peace of mind; knowing they were safe and being looked after. It allowed me to focus on myself and my recovery, which I believe helped me to return home a lot sooner.”

Stuart’s incredible journey led him to win gold medals in both the Invictus Games and GB Wheelchair Rugby at the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.

Fisher House relies solely on the generosity of its remarkable supporters as it receives no funding from the government or the military. To ensure the continued availability of this vital resource for future military families in need, donations are greatly appreciated. If you wish to contribute and make a difference, please consider clicking here to make a donation today.

The post Veteran, Double Amputee, and Paralympic Gold Medallist Stuart Robinson Marks 10-Year Milestone of military home away from home appeared first on B14 News.

In the wake of issues arising from the implementation of the Oracle financial system, a comprehensive analysis has been conducted to examine the ongoing equal pay claims faced by Birmingham City Council. The results of the fresh evaluation have revealed that significant additional costs related to equal pay could affect council operations and has now forced them to enter talks with the Government.

Over the past decade, the council has already disbursed a staggering £1.1 billion to settle equal pay claims. However, the recent analysis indicates that a substantial amount of funds will need to be allocated by the council to meet these claims.

As of March 31, 2023, it is estimated that the council’s current equal pay liability falls between £650 million and £760 million, with this liability accumulating at a rate of approximately £5 million to £14 million per month.

Given the enormity of these financial obligations, the council finds itself unable to cover these costs using existing resources, including reserves. To provide context for the magnitude of this challenge, the council’s entire annual revenue budget stands around £750 million, which is utilised to support various services throughout the city.

This predicament represents one of the most significant challenges ever faced by the council, and they have expressed regret for failing to gain control over the situation. Consequently, resources available in the future will be significantly limited compared to previous years, necessitating the reprioritisation of expenditure and careful allocation of taxpayer funds.

Prompt action has already been taken, including engaging with external auditors and holding discussions with officials at the Department of Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities. These discussions are ongoing as the council explores potential solutions to the issue.

To closely monitor the situation, the council will implement enhanced governance measures, including the formation of a panel of elected members chaired by the Leader of the Council. This panel will be supported by an independent expert in local government finance. The Chief Executive and Interim Director of Finance have commenced work on developing a Budget Recovery Plan.

In order to guide decision-making during this difficult period, the council plans to introduce a values framework that will inform choices. Despite the financial challenges, the council remains committed to addressing social injustice and inequality.

Further updates, including proposed spending controls, will be shared with the public in due course.

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Redditch residents, commuters and visitors are encouraged to share their opinions on the newly unveiled plans for the redevelopment of Redditch Railway Station. On Tuesday (27/06), the public was granted a glimpse of the envisioned design for the upgraded station.

The revitalisation of the station stands as a prominent initiative undertaken by Worcestershire County Council, highlighting its significance in enhancing connectivity to Redditch town centre. Seeking to gather valuable input from the public, the council is actively seeking feedback on the proposed transformation.

The released illustrative plans provide a preview of the future station, showcasing the envisioned improvements that will contribute to the overall development of Redditch.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills said: “I feel very positive and excited about our plans for Redditch Railway Station and I’m keen to hear the feedback from residents, businesses, and visitors to see what they think.

“The station will be a key transport interchange and provide a welcoming gateway to the town centre, improving access to employment, education, leisure and travel opportunities. It will be brilliant to see this planned investment come to fruition, bringing benefits for years to come and becoming a station we can all be proud of.”

The emerging designs for the station are both sustainable and ambitious. They include the construction of a new two-storey accessible station building with modern facilities including a ticket office, passenger waiting areas, toilets and retail unit providing increased capacity for passengers. A landscaped public space in front of the station will be created along with an upgraded crossing over Unicorn Hill to the bus interchange, the Kingfisher Centre and Redditch town centre. New improved cycleways on Unicorn Hill and cycle storage facilities at the station will also be provided.

People can have their say on the plans until Monday 7th August 2023. Residents, businesses and stakeholders can view the designs and comment via a feedback survey.

This can be found under the Have Your Say tab on www.worcestershire.gov.uk/major-infrastructure-improvements/bus-and-rail-improvements/redditch-railway-station

The project team is also hosting a couple of community drop-in events. People can come along and find out more at the Kingfisher Centre (by Boots) on:

• Friday 7 July 2023 from 10am to 1pm
• Saturday 8 July 2023 from 10am to 1pm

All feedback will be considered and will be used to inform the development of the proposals prior to the submission of a planning application to the local planning authority later this year.

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Four people have been were taken to hospital after two car collision in the early hours of this morning (30/06).

At approximately 12:28 am, the West Midlands Ambulance Service swiftly responded to a call reporting a collision at the junction of Highfield Road and Stratford Road.

Three ambulances and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival, crews discovered two cars had been involved in a collision and there were four patients.

“A passenger of the first car, a woman, was treated by ambulance staff for potentially serious injuries before being conveyed on blue lights to University Hospital Birmingham for further treatment.

“The driver of the first car, a man, was treated by medics for injuries not believed to be serious and taken on blue lights to Heartlands Hospital for further treatment.

“Ambulance crews treated a passenger from the second car, a man, for injuries not believed to be serious before conveying him to Heartlands Hospital for further treatment.

“A female passenger of the second car received treatment for minor injuries and was taken to the same hospital for further assessments”.

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Acorns Children’s Hospice has achieved a significant national accolade for the outstanding work of its charity shops. The charity was honoured with the prestigious Outstanding Charity Retailer Award at the Charity Retail Association Awards, held in Harrogate on Wednesday evening (28/06). These annual awards celebrate the accomplishments, creativity, and impact of the charity retail sector.

Despite facing tough competition from renowned organisations like the Salvation Army and British Red Cross, Acorns emerged victorious. The charity, operating over 40 shops throughout the West Midlands, was recognised for its forward-thinking retail initiatives that have contributed to record-breaking profits and crucial care provisions.

Gary Pettit, Director of Retail at Acorns, expressed his delight at the award, praising the remarkable efforts of the retail team and volunteers. He acknowledged that their hard work and dedication have played a significant role in making a positive difference in the lives of local children and families.

Over the past year, Acorns charity shops have generated over £2 million in vital funds, directly supporting their work in caring for children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire.

The award acknowledged Acorns’ retail investment program, which included refurbishing 10 charity shops in the past year and implementing new technologies such as iPads for staff training and gift-aid collection.

Gary further emphasised their commitment to excellence as a leader in the charity retail sector, expressing pride in receiving such recognition. The organisation aims to build a sustainable and innovative retail operation while empowering their teams to increase income and enhance the customer experience.

For over three decades, Acorns Children’s Hospice has been providing expert palliative care to children and support to their families. With an annual cost of approximately £10 million, the charity heavily relies on fundraising, donations, and income from its charity shops.

To learn more about Acorns and their initiatives, please visit www.acorns.org.uk.

The post Acorns Children’s Hospice celebrates National Charity Retail Award triumph appeared first on B14 News.

Solihull Hospital is celebrating the opening of its brand-new Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) following a substantial £1 million investment. The momentous occasion was marked by a special ribbon cutting ceremony, led by the esteemed Mayor of Solihull.

Designed to cater to the immediate healthcare needs of the local community, the UTC operates seven days a week, from 08:00 to 20:00. With a focus on providing prompt care for a range of common conditions, including broken bones, sprains, cuts, stomach pains, rashes, and minor burns, the facility is open to both adults and children (aged one year and over). Patients can access the service by contacting NHS111 or by walking in.

While the UTC offers vital urgent care, it is crucial to note that it is not equipped to handle life-threatening emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes. For such critical situations, the public is urged to immediately call 999 or visit the nearest accident and emergency department.

The successful realisation of this much-anticipated project would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of all those involved. The Hospital extends a special thank you to every individual who contributed to transforming their vision into a reality.

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