Company Overview
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council is the governing authority of the Metropolitan Borough of Sandwell, located in the West Midlands, England. It comprises six towns: Oldbury, Rowley Regis, Smethwick, Tipton, Wednesbury, and West Bromwich. The council provides a variety of services to residents, including council tax collection, housing, education, adult social care, and more. The council's headquarters is located in Oldbury, and its online presence can be accessed via [Sandwell Council’s main webpage](https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/).
Organizational Structure and Leadership
The leadership of Sandwell Council is spearheaded by Shokat Lal, who serves as the Chief Executive. Shokat has 34 years of senior-level experience in local government and health, committed to improving community services and fostering strategic growth within the council.
The senior management team includes:
- Victoria, the Assistant Director of HR, responsible for human resources services and contributing to the council’s strategic direction.
- Alan Lunt, the Executive Director of Place, managing public health and adult social care with a proven track record in local government.
Financial and Strategic Initiatives
Sandwell Council has recently approved a balanced budget for the fiscal year 2025/2026, with a total expenditure of £366 million allocated for various services aimed at the borough's 344,000 residents. The council is also engaged in capital investments valued at £140 million. Notable projects include the £9.3 million Cradley Heath Skills Campus, which marked a significant milestone with the completion of its core building phase in February 2025.
Strategically, Sandwell Council has been involved in several key initiatives. They have been shortlisted in the ‘Most Improved Council’ category for the 2025 Local Government Chronicle Awards. The council is also undertaking a review of its Voluntary and Community Sector to enhance funding efficiency. Furthermore, the proposed boundary changes for council wards are under consultation, indicating an active approach to meet changing local requirements.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
Sandwell Council emphasizes community engagement, with regular consultations and public involvement in planning processes. The council has recognized 2025 as a transformative year, with ambitious infrastructure, education, and sustainability projects planned, marking a new phase of growth and innovation for the borough. The council's efforts to improve recycling rates and infrastructure development are indicative of a commitment to environmental sustainability and better community services. Collaborative programs like the Big Community Switch aim to assist residents in reducing energy costs, further reflecting Sandwell Council's ongoing dedication to improving residents' quality of life.
Sandwell Council maintains active social media profiles on platforms such as [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sandwellcouncil/), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sandwellcouncil/?hl=en), and [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/).
Competitor Profiling
Overview
Sandwell Council is a leading government administration body operating out of Oldbury, West Midlands, responsible for providing various public services to the local community. The council has an annual revenue of approximately $300 million, positioning it among significant players in its sector.
Key Competitors
- Royal Academy of Engineering: Specializes in engineering and technological advancements.
- The Behavioural Insights Team: Utilizes behavioral science to enhance public services and policy decisions.
Local Government Competitors
Birmingham City Council:
Birmingham City Council stands out as the largest local authority in the UK, with a workforce of over 10,000 employees and serving a populace exceeding one million individuals. Its main priorities include promoting inclusive economic growth, tackling unemployment, reducing inequalities, and advancing various other social, health, and environmental goals. The council led initiatives for the Commonwealth Games and is a key player in the West Midlands region.
Dudley Council:
Dudley Council serves over 300,000 residents, primarily focusing on improving quality of life through essential services such as regeneration, skills and employment, and health and wellbeing. Dudley Council has multiple achievements, such as launching the Innovate Dudley Expo and receiving recognition through awards like the Rose Penn Apprenticeship Award. Their vision includes being a model local authority that excels in innovation and quality service delivery, with focus areas including youth services, regeneration, crime prevention, and enhancing life quality. The dudley borough takes an active role within the larger metropolitan landscape, hosting events like the Innovate Dudley Expo and the Council Housing Summit, showing a commitment towards sustainable development and community improvement.
Positioning of Sandwell Council:
Situated in Rowley Regis, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council serves its community with a focus on research and data-driven decision-making, with competitors such as Birmingham City Council, Dudley Council, and other local and voluntary organizations such as Habitat for Humanity Great Britain contributing to its competitive environment.
In summary, Sandwell Council, with its significant revenue of $300 million, is positioned among prominent players like the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Birmingham City Council. Its focus on community services places it among top competitors like Birmingham City Council, Dudley Council, and Habitat for Humanity Great Britain. Sandwell Council is involved in local government responsibilities, with a strategic approach under leadership such as Councillor Kerrie Carmichael.
