Media Watch - Nov 10
Top Birmingham City Council Stories:
GCSE overhaul after Islamic Trojan Horse plot in schools (Sunday Mercury, Birmingham Mail, Daily Telegraph, The Times and The Daily Mirror) The Government has unveiled plans to force pupils to study at least two faiths following the Trojan Horse scandal in Birmingham.
A plague on our house! (Sunday Mercury) A Handsworth mum’s home has become overrun by super-cockroaches, pests that that have survived numerous attempts to poison them – and come back even stronger. Quotes council spokesperson clarifying work done to tackle problem, including treatment on neighbouring properties which may be part of same infestation and fact that resident refused treatment on the fourth visit.
‘Combined authority’s a stitch-up’ (Birmingham Mail) West Midlands UKIP MEP Bill Etheridge says he believes a new combined authority involving Birmingham City Council and local authorities in Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Sandwell would be undemocratic.
Just £63k claimed from council £1m hardship cashpot (Birmingham Mail) A £1 million hardship fund to help Birmingham families struggling to pay their council tax has handed out just £63,000 so far this year. Quotes Cllr Randal Brew saying that many people may have missed the information about the fund online. Also quotes Cllr Jon Hunt and finance officer Martin O’Neill.
City’s tribute to fallen heroes (Birmingham Mail) Double-page spread on Remembrance Day commemorations in Birmingham, including quote from Lord Mayor.
Birmingham wins praise in court over benefits cuts consultation (Birmingham Mail) The way Birmingham City Council consulted residents over benefit cuts has been held up in the Supreme Court as an example of good practice. Quotes finance officer Martin O’Neill saying he is getting emails from other councils asking how Birmingham achieved this.
Brum’s switched on! (Sunday Mercury and Birmingham Mail) Double-page spread of photos from Christmas Parade, including a quote from the Lord Mayor. Mail article is more of a news story, again quoting Lord Mayor.
Rainbow List (Independent on Sunday) List of 101 most influential LGBT people, including Educate & Celebrate charity founder Elly Barnes at number 21, with reference to Birmingham City Council presenting first Educate & Celebrate Awards last year.
Boys get official warning for throwing eggs at window (Sutton Observer) Boys aged 11 and 13 received formal warnings after they egged a house in Erdington ahead of Halloween. Mentions anti-social warning letters being served on boys, which were issued in conjunction with Birmingham City Council.
Pleck House (Birmingham Mail) Double-page interview with mother of Jocelyn Bennett, which includes quote from city council spokesperson clarifying that an investigation is under way and that the council is in the process of contacting the family to arrange a meeting if they wish to do so.
Regional Headlines:
Missing Tyseley schoolboy Shane Kelly was found hiding in his own garden shed 12 hours after he disappeared.
A gang which kidnapped, tortured and threatened to kill the boss of a Birmingham sauna has been jailed for a total of more than 66 years.
National Headlines:
More free childcare and cutting taxes for the low paid are among the measures to raise living standards being recommended by business leaders, according to the CBI.
Nearly 40% of under-25s who have weight-loss surgery in the UK are classified as super-obese, according to new figures.
