Birmingham Guides

Plain-English guides to the bits of living in Birmingham that are genuinely confusing: the rules, the costs, the deadlines, and what to do when something goes wrong. Each one links straight to the official council and government pages so you can act on it.

Driving Clean Air Zone Who pays the £8 daily charge, which cars are compliant, exactly where the zone is, how to pay, and what the penalty is if you forget. Waste Bin Collections & Waste Find your collection day, report a missed bin, book the tip or bulky waste, plus where the waste dispute and new service stand in 2026. Parking Parking & Fines (PCN) What a ticket costs, the council vs CAZ vs private-charge difference, and the three-stage process to appeal a PCN. Schools School Admissions How to apply for a primary or secondary place, the deadlines and offer days, and how places are decided when a school is full. Crime Crime in Your Area Type a postcode to see recorded crime nearby on a live map, with a breakdown by type, straight from police.uk.