The Government announced yesterday that Commissioners are to be appointed for the council.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has confirmed that the Secretary of State, after considering representations and all other developments since his ?minded to? proposals, has decided to appoint Commissioners.

The Lead Commissioner for Nottingham will be Tony McArdle OBE who was previously Lead Commissioner at the former Northamptonshire County Council and is currently Chair of the London Borough of Croydon Improvement and Assurance Panel. He will be supported by Margaret Lee as Commissioner for Finance, with the intention that a Commissioner for transformation will be nominated in due course.?

The Commissioners have been granted extensive powers and will oversee the full range of the council?s improvement activities, including strategies to secure the medium and long-term financial sustainability of the council and plans to transform front line services.

The appointment of Commissioners replaces the Improvement and Assurance Board with immediate effect, although the Commissioners will be able to draw on the input of Sir Tony Redmond and former IAB members as they see fit.?

Major pressures affecting local government nationally, including the cost of increased demand for children?s and adults? social care and rising homelessness presentations, have led to a ?23 million overspend in 2023/24 and the need to request Exceptional Financial Support from government in the form of capitalisation which allows the council to use capital receipts from asset sales to meet ongoing revenue costs as a short term measure.?

In addition, an extensive budget savings package which will have a significant impact on local services is due to be decided on by councillors at a meeting of the City Council scheduled for 4 March 2024.?

Although our preferred option was to continue to work with the Improvement and Assurance Board overseeing improvements at the council since 2021 as significant progress was being made, we are committed to working constructively and collaboratively with the Commissioners to tackle Nottingham?s current challenges.

You?ll likely have seen the Lime e-bikes out on the streets of Nottingham which offer residents and visitors a sustainable travel option to get around the city.

There have now been more than 100,000 Lime e-bike rides in Nottingham since launching last April, and riders have cycled more than 120,000 miles in that time.

If you?d like to have a go you can find out more about the e-bikes here.

This weekend (Saturday and Sunday) head to Woodthorpe Park Plant Nursery for a festival of all things green in the wonderful Tropical House.

The expert staff will be on hand to give you lots of hints and tips and you?ll be able to chat with other houseplant lovers.

All plants will be on sale alongside specialist compost, feeds and other essentials. You can also pick up new skills at the workshops on houseplant care and propagation. Find out more.

Whatever your fitness goals are this year, Active Nottingham can help you save money and get started on your fitness journey.

Refer a friend to join Active Nottingham before 28 February and you could both get one-month?s free membership.

Active Nottingham Leisure Centres are the go-to place for getting fit, staying healthy and having fun, with plenty of things to choose from:

• Burn off the calories using top-of-the-line gym equipment
• Drop by for a relaxing swim or get the blood pumping with a hydro-spin or aqua-fit class
• Join in with a group exercise class with group cycling, relaxing yoga or even Zumba. There is something for everyone, of all abilities, with over 300 classes available
• Relax in one of six health suites, which feature saunas, steam rooms plus more

For more details and terms head over to https://www.activenottingham.com/offers or visit the Active Nottingham app.

Measles spreads easily in unvaccinated people and cases of measles in England are on the rise.

The best protection for you, your family and friends, is to have two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. You can get vaccinated for free on the NHS and alternative non-porcine products (pork ingredients) are available if required.

The first MMR vaccine is given at age one year and the second at age 3 years and 4 months. Having both doses provides lifelong protection against serious illness and it?s never too late to get vaccinated or catch up.

I would encourage you to check your child?s Personal Child Health Record (PCHR) known as the ?Red Book? and make an appointment at your GP surgery to catch up on any missed doses.

Catching measles can lead to serious complications, especially in young children, pregnant people and those with a weakened immune system. It could lead to time in hospital, time off work, school, or nursery, and also place additional pressure on the health, education and care settings.

It?s really important that if you think you or your children might have measles, that you stay at home and call your GP surgery or NHS 111 first, before visiting a healthcare setting, like A&E, pharmacies or GP surgeries. This can help to stop the virus spreading.

To find out more and how to recognise the signs of measles visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/?

Tomorrow (Saturday) marks the two-year anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.?

A march and rally will be taking place in the city centre, organised by the Nottingham Ukraine Solidarity Campaign. Beginning at 2pm, the march starts at the Brian Clough Statue and will end at Old Market Square after a short walk through the city. It will include some performances and speeches from local community members and leaders.