Latest news with #IanCourts
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Have your say on Solihull Council priorities for next five years
Solihull Council has unveiled its priorities as part of a five-year plan with financial stability one of the goals it will be working towards. And residents are now being given the chance to have their say on the council's ambitions. As the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported last month, the authority had begun the process of creating a new strategic council plan. READ MORE : 'No longer have confidence' - three Conservative councillors quit with attack on leadership Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp Former leader of the authority, Councillor Ian Courts, had previously said there would be a limit to what the authority could do due to government funding issues and said the plan would 'take action' to address the council's financial situation. Earlier this year the cash-strapped authority had a bid accepted by the government for emergency help to address a multi-million pound hole in its finances. The seven ambitions in the draft plan, which would cover the period until 2030, are: The right conditions for everyone to thrive Services that people need in the right place at the right time Adults are supported to maximise wellbeing and independence Children and young people have the best possible outcomes A vibrant economy with improved access to opportunities Opportunities and fairer outcomes by acting on climate change An attractive and aspirational place The plans also set out the focus of council work will be to: Achieve financial sustainability Deliver the authority's corporate transformation programme Take preventative action and address inequalities Work with partners to get the best for Solihull The new plan, which will reflect feedback residents provide in a survey, will be published in July 2025. Coun Karen Grinsell, who was elected Solihull Council leader earlier this week said: 'The new plan will steer the council as we go forward over the next five years. 'It sets out our vision for Solihull, the direction that we want to go in as a council, how we aim to get there and what we want to achieve. 'Your input is crucial in shaping the plan and ensuring it addresses the priorities that matter most to our communities. 'We want to ensure the new plan reflects the ambitions, challenges and opportunities faced by the council, residents, businesses and other stakeholders over the coming years. 'Tell us if you think our new plan is focusing on the right things - this is your opportunity to have your say so please take a few moments to complete our short survey.' To take part in the survey, which has a closing date of Sunday, June 15, visit Paper copies of the survey are also available at Solihull Council House's reception, The Core Library, Shirley Library and Chelmsley Wood Library.
BBC News
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Solihull theatre reopens with charity gala after Raac repairs
A theatre forced to close for more than a year after dangerous concrete was found in its roof is set to reopen. A routine inspection at the Core Theatre in Solihull in 2023 led to the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac), which is prone to collapse. With repair works completed, the theatre will reopen its doors on Sunday with a charity gala, including performances from local musicians, choirs and dance mayor, councillor Shahin Ashraf, said The Core was the borough's "home of culture" and had been "sorely missed". Hundreds of schools and public buildings were forced to close fully or partially when Raac was discovered during inspections in 2023, and councillor Ian Courts, the leader of Solihull Council, said it had taken a lot of work to make the theatre is Raac concrete and why is it a safety risk?"We had to repair the Raac, and we had to do work on the roof," he told the BBC."What we also took an opportunity of was to improve the studio as well." Sophia Gough, who will be singing with her group the Boogaloo Babes, said the reopening was going to be "amazing"."The theatre's a real hub for the community, and there'll be a lot of people in the audience that are so excited the theatre's reopened again."The council said tickets, priced at £25, had sold out online and that proceeds would go towards supporting Marie Curie UK, OASIS and Social Life Opportunities charities.
