This council: flagship · Adult Social Care · Asylum and Migration · Climate · Council Spending and Efficiency
Reform UK has led Walsall Council since May 2026 (source).
At Full Council on 22 June 2026, Walsall's administration set out its position on the borough's flag protocol and on garden waste collection.[1][2] It said it is reviewing the existing Flag Flying Protocol and will bring forward a revised, more restrictive protocol, though none has yet been adopted.[1] It confirmed that garden waste collection will stay free, with no charge introduced.[2] A July 2026 committee record shows the council carrying a high-needs schools deficit of around £43m.[3]
On 22 June 2026, a Full Council question asked whether Walsall would introduce a flag flying policy like those in Warwickshire and Staffordshire.[1] Reform UK Leader Councillor Williams replied that the administration is reviewing the Council's existing Flag Flying Protocol.[1] He said it will bring forward a revised protocol that restricts and codifies which flags fly on council land, as part of a future update to the Constitution.[1] New flagpoles are being installed at the Council Depot to fly the Union Flag, the St George's Flag and the Black Country Flag.[1]
At the same 22 June 2026 Full Council, a question asked whether the administration would rule out separate charges for brown bin garden waste collection.[2] Reform UK Cabinet Member Councillor Benton confirmed that the administration remains committed to free garden waste collection.[2] Rather than introducing a charge, it is extending the months during which the service runs.[2] A further question calling for year-round brown bin collection was referred to Cabinet for a decision later in the year.[2]
A decision tracker reported to the Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee on 21 July 2026 records that the council carries a high-needs deficit of around £43m on its Dedicated Schools Grant.[3] The council has submitted a SEND Reform plan for Department for Education assessment.[3] If approved, that plan would bring a high-needs stability grant covering 90% of the cumulative deficit.[3] A Schools Forum report earlier in the year recorded that the sector-wide statutory override on these deficits has been delayed until March 2028.[3]
“The Council already has a Flag Flying Protocol within its Constitution. However, this administration believes that our approach should do more to reflect the pride that residents have in our country, our communities and our shared heritage.” Minutes, 27 July 2026 ↗
“That is why we are reviewing the existing protocol and will be bringing forward a revised Flag Flying Protocol as part of a future update to the Constitution.” Minutes, 27 July 2026 ↗
“New flagpoles will be installed at the Council Depot over the summer, enabling the Union Flag, the St George's Flag and the Black Country Flag to be displayed with pride.” Minutes, 27 July 2026 ↗
“Our position is clear, we are committed to extending garden waste collection and I have instructed officers to look at the options to ensure a service which balances resident’s expectations, efficiency and best value. This will be considered by Cabinet over the summer, in readiness for implementation later in the year.” Minutes, 27 July 2026 ↗
“I can confirm that the new administration remains committed to the provision of free garden waste collections and as stated in my earlier answer, we will also be increasing the months during which the service operates.” Minutes, 27 July 2026 ↗
“The council has submitted our SEND Reform plan which is being assessed and if / when approved, this will result in a high needs stability grant payment of 90% of our cumulative deficit (circa £43m)” Decisions, 21 July 2026 ↗
“The Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services confirmed that the Statutory Override had been delayed until March 2028 and therefore offered no clarity in terms of financing.” Minutes, 20 January 2026 ↗