Following Prime Minister?s speech yesterday, I joined a coalition of local leaders and businesses to call on the Government to pledge ?5bn toward local energy projects in the upcoming stimulus package. This would net a return of ?100bn to support the British economy, including??40bn for energy efficiency.?The package could create over 300,000 jobs, cut energy bills and ensure a sustainable future. ?

A green recovery programme built around the transformation of our energy systems is not only a good thing to do, but the right thing too. The evidence shows that this type of investment pays dividends compared to traditional approaches, and helps us urgently move forward our climate emergency response.

We have seen in Nottingham already how local energy projects can bring a range of real benefits to people and businesses, not just the environment. Councils are ready to lead and help deliver stimulus programmes to help us renew our local economies and overcome the effects of COVID-19 in the most positive and transformative way.

The new "one metre plus" rule for all venues - including shops, restaurants, schools, offices, and parks - will come into effect this weekend.

Though I am pleased that city shops, restaurants and pubs will be able to begin trading again, this obviously has to be balanced with the need to continue to keep people safe and control the virus locally. The council has been working with local partners and provided support to businesses to ensure they can re-open safely.

There can be no complacency and everyone needs to realise that the virus can have a devastating effect on people and their families. It is essential that everyone remains cautious and comply with Government guidance and people enjoy the increased freedoms in a safe way. This includes:

• Keep your distance from people outside your household
• Keep your hands and face as clean as possible
• Wear face coverings when on public transport
• Do not leave home if you or someone you live with has?symptoms

As Chair of of the Nottingham City Engagement Board, I am pleased that we have published The Local Outbreak Control Plan.

Preventing the spread of Covid-19 will continue to be a team effort. I?ve been proud of the way that Nottingham?s communities, partners and businesses have worked together during the pandemic. So far Nottingham has not seen the levels of Covid-19 experienced in other parts of the country. That is down to the way everyone has played their part in helping to manage the outbreak by staying home, staying safe, hand- hygiene and observing social distancing. We need everyone to continue to help us with this to keep our city and its people safe.

The Local Outbreak Control Plan isn?t simply about health data but about receiving local information on the ground. We will need partners, businesses, community leaders and the public to work with us and help provide information about any outbreaks so we can respond as quickly as possible.