Media Watch - Sept 29
Top Birmingham City Council stories
Trojan Horse (Sunday Times, Telegraph, Independent, The Sun, Daily Mail, Daily Star) Articles on fears of a 'Trojan Horse 2' in London, with references to Birmingham.
Birmingham steps up efforts to attract more powers for region (Financial Times) Birmingham has stepped up efforts to attract additional powers for the region by joining forces with Solihull to work on big projects such as the HS2 high-speed rail link. Quotes Cllr Sir Albert Bore and also mentions Midlands Connect, an initiative has been involved in setting up.
PM warning over council's job cuts (Birmingham Mail) Prime Minister David Cameron has rejected claims Government funding cuts had forced Birmingham City Council to cut 6,000 jobs. Similar article in Monday's Mail quoting William Hague.
Parents have to wait two months to register births (Birmingham Mail) Birmingham parents are waiting up to two months for a Register Office appointment due to a backlog. Quotes a city council spokesperson explaining that the number of registrations has risen significantly and that steps are being taken to address this.
Girl's education hit after being given place at boys-only school (Birmingham Mail and Daily Mail online) A girl from Birmingham has missed nearly a month of education after being offered a place at a school earmarked to become a boys-only establishment. Quotes council spokesperson explaining situation and how the girl has now been found a school place.
Hunt for social workers (Birmingham Mail) Birmingham City Council is looking as far as Scotland and Ireland for social workers. Quotes Cllr Brigid Jones.
‘Children let down over sex education’ as eight 13-years-olds have babies in West Midlands (Mirror online) Eight girls aged just 13 have had babies in the West Midlands since 2009, leading to claims youngsters are being 'let down' over sex education. Quotes Director of Public Health Dr Adrian Phillips.
US 'no' to Dee's reunion (The Sun) Benefits Street star Deirdre 'White Dee' Kelly has been denied a US visa due her conviction for stealing £13,000 from Birmingham City Council to feed her partner's drug habit.
Regional headlines
Brummies light up the dancefloor after live TV shows Birmingham contestants Simon Webbe, of boy band Blue, and Alison Hammond, a presenter on This Morning, are in the top four on Strictly Come Dancing after the programme's first live shows of the year.
Tragic Rosie's mum earns police honour The mother of Rosie Ross, who was murdered in Centenary Square, Birmingham, in 2001, has been honoured for her work to raise awareness of the effects of knife crime.
National headlines
Chancellor to abolish 55% 'death tax' George Osborne will announce plans to axe a 55% tax that currently applies to untouched 'defined contribution' pensions pots left by those aged 75 or over.
More RAF jets sent on Iraqi mission Two more British jets have been sent to Iraq as part of a campaign to tackle Islamic State militants.
