The city centre news for 15 July:
- Absent West Midland parents owe their kids’ carers £27.6 million
Birmingham Mail
A national league table of shame lists non-resident mums and dads from Birmingham Ladywood, West Bromwich and Cannock Chase as among the worst in the country. In Ladywood, absent mums and dads owe an eyewatering £9.1 million. - Ten things you didn’t know about the unemployment data
The Guardian
The highest jobseekers allowance claimant rates are in two Birmingham constituencies: Ladywood (10.8% of the working population, 15.4% of men) and Hodge Hill (9.6%). - Birmingham city centre has nowhere for large outdoor events, says watchdog
Birmingham Post
Birmingham ought to be capable of hosting large outdoor events in its city centre, according to a council watchdog group. But a lack of large public squares and the distressing scenes of last November’s Christmas pop concert crush has put the city off. - Birmingham: We are a city of culture
BBC News
Birmingham waits with baited breath to hear if it is to become the first UK City of Culture. It is an accolade which is seen as a way of boosting the city’s image and economy, and would generate an estimated £350 million for the city.
