The last legal step to create the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has been signed and made into law this week.

It means that residents across the area will get to vote for the very-first East Midlands Mayor.

The new combined county authority is all thanks to a devolution deal, which will see the region benefit from a ?1.14bn investment package, spread over a 30-year period, alongside devolved powers around transport, housing, skills and adult education, economic development and net-zero.

Plans for East Midlands devolution are similar to those already in place in other mayoral regions, like the West Midlands and Greater Manchester, and it is estimated that the region will unlock around ?4bn of funding over the coming years.

The election for Mayor of the East Midlands will take place on Thursday 2 May 2024. More information here?

People have been given more time to have their say on a plan to help boost Nottingham?s local economy over the next ten years.

The Council has worked with partners to create a draft Economic Plan, which will be delivered and overseen by the Nottingham Growth Board.

The idea is to have a shared vision to improve the economy of Nottingham, with a plan to help the city grow in a fair and sustainable way that benefits all.

The ambitions are to create 20,000 new jobs by 2030, to generate ?1bn of additional Gross Value Added by 2030 in the city, to secure the next ?4bn of regenerative investment and to develop infrastructure and services to serve the city.

The consultation now closes on Monday 25 March. ?You can find out more about the Economic Plan and fill in the survey here.

I was really pleased to see that more Nottingham parents and carers got the news earlier today that their children had been offered a place at their first-choice secondary school for the autumn term.

The percentage of first or second-choice offers has also increased this year to 89 per cent, compared with 88 per cent in 2023. Every pupil who applied on time has received an offer today.

I know it?s a stressful and anxious time for everyone involved, so I?d like to thank parents and carers for getting their applications in on time ? that makes a huge difference for us. I?d also like to thank our School Admissions team for all their hard work over the past few months.

Read more here?

Sunday 24 March ? Holi: Festival of Colour

Communities come together to celebrate the Festival of Colour, welcoming in spring and enjoying new beginnings. The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil, good harvest, and fertility, with the daubing of coloured powders. The event will also include music and performances from the Nottingham Asian Arts Council.

Friday 30 August ? Live at the Hall

Live at the Hall sees headliners Razorlight deliver their infectious melodies and dynamic stage presence, known for hits like America and In The Morning. Joining them are Feeder, The Pigeon Detectives, and The Sherlocks, who will also be bringing their indie rock sounds to the stage.

Saturday 31 August ? Hacienda

Hacienda, the iconic music brand that has captivated and inspired audiences for over three decades, is coming to Wollaton this summer. The line-up includes Soul II Soul, Danny Tenaglia, Roger Sanchez, Ultra Nat?, 808 State, Graeme Park, K-Klass, and Rowetta.

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Nottingham City residents can get a 10 per cent discount on tickets for Live at the Hall and Hacienda by entering their council tax number and postcode.

Find out more and book tickets here?

The council is arranging an event to remember people who died during the Covid pandemic as part of the national?Marie?Curie?Day of Reflection.

We will be gathering at the Covid Memorial Tree at the Forest Recreation Ground (near to the pavilion and caf?) on Sunday (3 March) at 1pm.

People will be encouraged to reflect, join together for a minute?s silence, and lay a daffodil by the memorial tree in memory of someone who died due to Covid.

More information about the national Day of Reflection can be found?here?