Overview

• Mr Justice Eyre ruled that the legal challenge to the closure of four disability day centres is “an academic issue” and refused to hear the case.
• The planned shutdowns at Beeches GOLDD, Fairway, Harborne and Heartlands Day Centres aim to fill budget deficits of £1.95 million in 2024–25 and £3.35 million in 2025–26.
• Max Caller was appointed in October 2023 to tackle Birmingham City Council’s financial collapse and has overseen £300 million of cuts before announcing his retirement.
• Tony McArdle OBE, who previously led interventions at Nottingham City Council and served as chief executive in Lincolnshire and Wellingborough, will succeed Caller.
• Government-appointed commissioners retain authority to override elected councillors as they implement service redesigns and medium-term financial plans.