Plan for Change in Sandwell: Kickstart Economic Growth
The Plan for Change sets out an ambition for growth that reaches every part of the country — not just the cities, but the towns, high streets, and communities that have too often been left behind. In Sandwell, that ambition is being matched with real investment and a transformative approach to local development.
A Transformation Recognised Nationally
The Local Government Association’s peer review of Sandwell Council described the changes here as a “remarkable and profound transformation.” This recognition reflects what Sandwell Labour has built: a financially stable council capable of planning and delivering long-term investment in the borough, rather than just managing decline.
£3.5 Million Road Safety Programme: 44 Community-Nominated Sites
Sandwell’s £3.5 million road safety programme is delivering improvements at 44 sites across the borough — every one of them nominated by local communities through the council’s engagement process. This is investment that directly reflects what residents said they needed, routed into the places where it will make the most difference to residents and businesses.
Pride in Smethwick: £20 Million Plan for Neighbourhoods
Smethwick is receiving £20 million in government funding over ten years through the Plan for Neighbourhoods — part of the government’s £5.8 billion Pride in Place commitment. Plans were submitted to government in December 2025, developed in close consultation with local residents and businesses.
Alan Taylor, Chair of the Smethwick Partnership Board, said: “These plans reflect the voices of our communities — the places where people live and want to thrive together.”
The National Picture
Nationally, the Plan for Change has delivered: the UK became the fastest growing G7 economy in Europe in 2025 (Source: BBC News), nearly three million workers received a minimum wage rise, and six successive interest rate cuts have eased the burden on households and businesses. Business rates have been cut for 750,000 firms, supporting the high streets and independent businesses that anchor local economies like Sandwell’s.
Read More
– National Plan for Change: Kickstart Economic Growth
– Smethwick Plan for Neighbourhoods submission
– Sandwell balanced budget 2026/27
– Plan for Change in Sandwell: Economic Stability
– Plan for Change in Sandwell: Clean Energy
– Plan for Change in Sandwell: Taking Back Our Streets