Community News

As the UK continues living through the ongoing cost of living crisis, research undertaken by UltraLEDs has revealed the regions that are paying the most for their energy in the UK.

By analysing ONS and UK government data, the lighting supplier highlighted residents living in Merseyside and North Wales were paying the most for gas and electricity in 2021, spending around £116 per month.

UK media coverage of the Queen’s death has exposed wide-ranging systemic issues with diversity and representation in domestic news and media organisations, according to journalist and academic Marcus Ryder.

In an exclusive opinion piece for the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, based at Birmingham City University, Ryder says that the dominant British mainstream media narrative of “a nation in mourning” fails to reflect the wide range of views about the monarchy across the nations of the United Kingdom and contrasts starkly with reports by US, African and European media.

The end of one reign and the start of another brings with it many changes with the introduction of the King’s head on currency and stamps to amended cyphers and altered signatures. Coins featuring the new King will show him facing to the left - Elizabeth II’s effigy faced the right.

It is a tradition from the 17th century to alternate the way successive monarchs are facing. New coins and notes will need to be designed and minted or printed, but are not likely to appear in general circulation for some time.

As the nation pays its final respects to HRH the Queen, a number of essential frontline services will continue to be delivered by council staff, as they are on a daily basis all year round to meet the needs of the people of Birmingham. However, some services will not operate as part of the council's effort to mark the occasion and the contribution Her Majesty has made to the nation during her 70 years as monarch.

As the nation mourns the death of Her Majesty the Queen, the RAF Benevolent Fund would like to celebrate her life, and unwavering dedication to the country following a historic 70 years on the throne. The Queen showed an inspirational sense of duty during her reign and, as the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Patron from 1952 until her death, provided endless support for those who served her country, including the RAF Family.

Errol Taylor, Chief Executive of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: “On behalf of all members of the Society, in the UK and throughout the world, I should like to offer our heartfelt sympathy to King Charles and the Royal Family at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

After the Princess Royal, Princess Anne accompanied her mother, Queen Elizabeth II's coffin continues to lie in state at rest Buckingham Palace, where it was met by King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, as well as other members of the Royal Family.

A guard of honour, formed by the King's Guard, received the coffin, before it was taken to the Bow Room, inside the palace, and watched over by a rota of chaplains.

The greatest tribute to the Queen has been the way her death has brought people together, a Jewish community leader has said. Rabbi Yossi Jacobs was one of more than a dozen representatives of different faiths who came together at the city's peace garden to mark the Queen's life.

They sowed seeds in her memory. The Chief Minister of Birmingham Hebrew Congregation said that people of all ages and backgrounds got together to share their grief.

Thousands attend a proclamation ceremony at Cardiff Castle on Sunday as King Charles became monarch following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II. The Senedd was also recalled for Welsh politicians to pay tribute to the Queen as the accession to the throne was formally confirmed at St James' Palace in London on Saturday.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) is working with the UK’s principal bus operators to launch a major fare capping project to offer passengers best value and greater convenience when using their credit or debit card on public transport.

Over the next two years, a system will be developed to allow passengers to use their contactless cards across a range of transport modes and operators, which will mean ‘best value’ fares are applied automatically.

Commenting on Prime Minister Liz Truss’ decision to lift the fracking ban, Brian Mullin, partner and head of planning consultancy Marrons Planning, said: “The suggested mechanism for seeking planning permission for fracking appears to be very similar to the community consent mechanism required for onshore wind permissions. On the basis of past evidence, it is highly doubtful the fracking industry will meaningfully contribute to energy supply in the UK.

The cost-of-living crisis is well and truly upon us, and with inflation higher than it’s been for decades and energy bills set to rise again in October, the future appears worrying. As a result, Brits across the country are looking to rebalance the books and prepare for what’s to come.

A survey of 4,909 renters, carried out by leading flatshare site SpareRoom, shows an increase in bills over the last three months for 92% of renters whose rent doesn’t include bills.

In the midst of very heavy rain, the Accession Proclamation ceremony went ahead with a reading at Hillsborough Castle in County Down - one of the three senior officers of arms at the College of Arms in London, the heraldic authority for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and parts of the Commonwealth - at the same time as ceremonies in Edinburgh and Cardiff.

The Queen will lie in state for four days before her funeral at Westminster Abbey on Monday, 19 September. The public will be allowed to view the coffin during that time.

Before this, the Queen will be at rest in St Giles Cathedral Edinburgh, for 24 hours from tomorrow (Monday 12 September), with people able to pay their respects.

Arrangements are being made for the people of Birmingham to pay their respects following the death of The Queen on Thursday 8 September 2022. The book of condolence that will be held by the Royal household is being kept electronically, so anyone wanting to contribute to that should visit: www.royal.uk

Following the news of the death of the UKs longest serving monarch Her Majesty The Queen, and after careful consideration, from Friday 9 September, events at Heritage Open Days (HODs) will continue until Sunday 18 September. As England’s largest festival of history and culture, HODs will offer people a chance to come together and mark all that is good about their communities.