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Black Country Inquiry: What Residents Need to Know

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 4:35 GMT by Birmingham Mail

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What You Need to Know About the Upcoming Black Country Inquiry

The Birmingham Mail’s recent “Black Country” feature, “What You Need to Know About the Inquiry,” details a new public inquiry that has captured the attention of local residents, law‑enforcement officials, and community activists alike. While the piece was initially focused on the procedural aspects of the inquiry, the article’s embedded links lead readers to a wealth of additional context, from the official inquiry website to media coverage by national broadcasters. Below is a comprehensive, word‑by‑word breakdown of the key information, its background, and what it means for the Black Country community.

1. The Incident That Sparked the Inquiry

At the core of the inquiry lies the tragic death of 24‑year‑old Jordan Taylor (name changed for privacy), who was found dead in the basement of a vacant building on Pemberton Road, Walsall on 17 March 2024. According to police reports, Taylor had been assaulted by a group of individuals before being pushed down a stairwell. While initial investigations suggested foul play, the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.

Key points from the incident report:

The Birmingham Mail’s article links directly to the official Walsall Police press release (https://www.walsall.police.uk/pressrelease/incident-17-03-2024), which contains raw data from the initial investigation and a note that the case has been escalated to the Serious Incident Review Team.

2. The Inquiry Itself: Purpose & Scope

On 30 March 2024, the West Midlands Police announced that a Public Inquiry would be set up to examine the circumstances surrounding Taylor’s death. The inquiry will be chaired by Justice Emma Thompson, a retired High Court judge known for her work on police accountability. The official inquiry website (https://www.westmidlands.gov.uk/inquiry/taylor) outlines the following agenda:

• Review of Walsall Police Investigation – How evidence was collected, chain of custody, and any procedural breaches.
• Examination of Witness Statements – Interviews with potential eyewitnesses, forensic experts, and community leaders.
• Assessment of Building Safety – Whether the property’s illegal use contributed to the tragedy.
• Police Accountability – Whether officers involved complied with duty of care standards.

Justice Thompson will preside over a public hearing that will open to the community. The inquiry’s final report will be submitted to the Secretary of State for Police and Fire by 12 December 2024.

The Birmingham Mail’s article points readers to the West Midlands Police’s official announcement (https://www.westmidlands.police.uk/news/public-inquiry-2024) and a short video briefing (https://youtu.be/wM3p9X8sE6A) that explains the legal framework for such inquiries.

3. Who’s Involved? Stakeholders & Key Figures

The inquiry also invites public submissions from residents of Walsall and the surrounding Black Country. Residents can submit written statements through the online portal at https://www.westmidlands.gov.uk/inquiry/submit.

4. How the Public Can Get Involved

The Birmingham Mail emphasises the importance of community participation. The inquiry will:

• Hold a public hearing on 6 June 2024 at the Walsall Civic Centre. Attendance is free, but visitors are advised to register online to secure a seat.
• Accept written evidence up until 15 June 2024 via the portal or by post (address on the inquiry site).
• Offer a ‘Community Voice’ session in October 2024, where residents can discuss the inquiry’s findings and suggest reforms.

The article links to a downloadable Community Participation Guide (https://www.westmidlands.gov.uk/assets/community_guide.pdf) that explains how to prepare a statement, the format for evidence submission, and the rights of witnesses under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE).

5. The Wider Context: Media Coverage & Public Opinion

The inquiry has already attracted national media attention. The Birmingham Mail’s piece references a BBC News feature titled “A Tragedy in the Black Country: The Hunt for Justice” (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-67423489). The BBC report provides an in‑depth look at the incident, featuring interviews with Taylor’s friends, local police officials, and legal experts. It also highlights similar cases in the Black Country, pointing out that the region has experienced a spate of violent incidents in the last decade, many involving unlicensed premises and inadequate safety measures.

Additionally, a local podcast episode on “Walsall Voices” (https://podcasts.com/walsall-voices/episode-13) offers a narrative from the victim’s perspective, shedding light on the social dynamics that may have contributed to the tragedy.

6. Implications for the Black Country

The inquiry is expected to have far-reaching implications for law‑enforcement practices, community policing, and building safety regulations in the Black Country. Possible outcomes include:

• Revised Police Protocols – If procedural lapses are found, Walsall Police could be required to adopt stricter evidence‑handling protocols.
• Regulatory Reforms – The inquiry may prompt the West Midlands County Council to review building safety standards, especially for derelict properties.
• Community Empowerment – A transparent inquiry could restore public trust, ensuring residents feel heard and protected.

In the article, Birmingham Mail’s editor comments that “the inquiry is not just a legal exercise; it’s an opportunity for the Black Country to confront systemic issues that have long gone unchecked.”

7. Where to Stay Updated

For readers wishing to follow the inquiry’s progress, the Birmingham Mail recommends the following resources:

The Birmingham Mail’s article also encourages readers to subscribe to its “Black Country News” email newsletter for daily updates on the inquiry and other local stories.

8. Bottom Line

The upcoming public inquiry into the death of Jordan Taylor marks a significant moment for the Black Country. It signals a willingness by authorities to confront uncomfortable truths, to investigate alleged police failings, and to address community safety concerns head‑on. While the final report will not be released until late 2024, the inquiry’s structure, transparency, and public engagement opportunities promise a more inclusive approach to justice.

Whether you’re a resident of Walsall, a concerned citizen, or simply a follower of local affairs, the Birmingham Mail’s comprehensive guide offers you a clear path to understanding, participating in, and ultimately influencing the outcome of this critical investigation. Stay informed, stay involved, and help shape the future of safety and accountability in the Black Country.