Wyre Forest District Council

18/06/2026

There have been some misleading reports circulating regarding the council’s investment, business rates, service charges and proposed rent at the Piano Building in Kidderminster town centre.

The £9 million mentioned is in fact the total project cost, not the building acquisition cost, which accounted for about 25% of the total investment.

To clarify on business rates, they are set by central government, not local councils. Local councils' role is to collect business rates on behalf of central government.

The current proposed rents for the Piano Building are set at 20% below market level already. All rental income generated from this asset and the council's commercial portfolio goes towards securing financial sustainability for services that local communities value.

Service charges reflect the costs of maintaining and running the building and are shared between tenants. This is standard estate management practice as set by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The council is not making any profit from these proposed service charges.

The Piano Building redevelopment has been supported by the government’s Levelling Up Fund for Kidderminster.

17/06/2026

With England playing tonight, it's important to remember that incidents of domestic abuse can rise around major sporting events. If you or someone you know needs support, help is available through the NHS and other support services.

While many of us look forward to the England game, major sporting events can bring increased fear and risk for people experiencing domestic violence or abuse.

If it's happening to you, or you're worried about someone else, help is available. And you don’t have to wait for an emergency to get help.

Find out how to get support, and spot the signs of domestic violence.

Visit https://nhs.uk/live-well/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/

17/06/2026

⚽ Good luck to England as they kick off their World Cup campaign tonight.

But make sure you don't get caught offside when it comes to your recycling.

All those extra drinks cans, bottles and takeaway containers can be given a new lease of life if you make the right call after the final whistle.

Your matchday recycling guide:

✅ Drinks cans (don't crush)
✅ Glass bottles and jars (please don’t put wedges of lime or lemon inside)
✅ Plastic takeaway tubs (rinsed)
✅ Aluminium foil trays and foil (clean and scrunched)
✅ Pizza boxes (tear off heavily grease-stained sections)
🚫 Crisp packets
🚫 Sweet and chocolate wrappers
🚫 Pet food pouches
🚫 Baby food pouches

🏆 Recycle like a champion this World Cup and help Team Worcestershire score one for the environment.

17/06/2026

Music in the Park returns to Brinton Park this summer! 🎵

We have a great programme of live music taking place every Sunday from 19 July to 30 August, and we are inviting local food and drink traders to be part of it.

We are currently looking for:
• Coffee or hot drinks vendors
• Ice cream or cold refreshments vendors

These relaxed, family-friendly events are expected to attract a steady flow of visitors throughout the afternoon.

If you are interested in trading at the events, we would like to hear from you.

Find out more and apply: https://orlo.uk/on3aJ

Email: [email protected]

16/06/2026

It’s great to see such positive feedback from our Wyre Forest Rangers events as part of SustFest Wyre Forest.

The recent Creatures of the Night session at Habberley Valley gave attendees the chance to explore the reserve after dark, with some memorable wildlife encounters along the way!

Follow the Rangers page for upcoming events and more 👇

15/06/2026

This week, we’re proud to support Learning Disability Week, celebrating inclusion, opportunity and community.

The Odell Centre is delivering a programme of events across the county, helping to ensure that people with learning disabilities can access local sports and leisure opportunities.

Tomorrow, Tuesday 16 June, between 12pm and 3pm they will be at Wyre Forest Leisure Centre holding an inclusive sporting event. The session offers a range of accessible activities designed to support wellbeing, build confidence, and encourage social connections.

To find out more, visit theor page 👇

14/06/2026

Do you feel you could be the right person to support people who are homeless and living in our temporary accommodation, as well as those we are working with to prevent homelessness?

Apply today to join us as a Homeless Support Officer

Applications close tomorrow, Monday 15 June.

We also have a Facilities Assistant vacancy - could this be for you?

💼 Apply now: https://orlo.uk/IigEZ
📩 Stay informed and sign up for our weekly jobs bulletin https://orlo.uk/r2lZi

💬 Ready for something new? Take a look today - or tag someone who might be the perfect fit!

12/06/2026

Warmer homes. Lower bills. Real results.

Dozens of households across Wyre Forest are now living in warmer, healthier homes thanks to more than £419,000 in the Government’s Warm Homes Local Grant and Wyre Forest District Council’s Energy Efficiency Measures Fund.

Upgrades like insulation, solar panels and heating improvements are helping residents save around £200 to £400 a year on energy bills — while also cutting carbon emissions and supporting our Greener Wyre Forest programme.
We’re pleased to be able to support local people in this way, and we’re continuing to look for funding to help even more households.
👉 You may be eligible if your household income is under £36,000 or you receive certain benefits
👉 Find out more and check if you qualify https://orlo.uk/GGZx4

Need advice on saving energy or managing bills? Our partners at Act on Energy can help — call 0800 988 2881.

11/06/2026

New planning controls for shared housing (HMOs) in Kidderminster were approved by the council’s Cabinet at its meeting last night (Wednesday 10 June.) It follows strong public support at consultation.

These changes will help protect the look and feel of neighbourhoods, support a balanced mix of homes, and improve living conditions for tenants.

The new rules will give us more control over where smaller HMOs can be created, helping make sure they are in the right places and meet the right standards.

They are expected to come into force in February 2027, giving time for residents, landlords and developers to prepare.