A-level results day

This week we celebrated A-level results day and to mark the occasion a new Council House banner boldly declares how proud we are of Nottingham?s pupils. But we all know this year has not been easy. Many young people will be celebrating successful results, yet some may be left disappointed.

I?d like to thank everyone who has played a part in getting us through these difficult times. Teachers and school staff have worked incredibly hard to continue to support pupils throughout lockdown. I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of parents and carers ? many juggling work and also trying to provide home school support. I know this has been a considerable challenge.

And a huge well done to each and every pupil for getting through this very strange year, with resilience and determination. A-levels are not easy at the best of times.??

Considering the monumental effort of pupils and the wider education sector to get through this year I feel frustrated and saddened for those who have been let down by what appears to be an unfair and inconsistent grading system. Some pupils have seen their grades drop two or three grades below what their teacher predicted and the Government needs to urgently look into this flawed system that they have put in place. Exam results can be appealed and anyone wishing do to so can get more information here: Appeal arrangements for AS, A levels and GCSEs

Robin Hood Energy governance report

There has been much media coverage this week on the council?s governance arrangements in relation to our not-for-profit energy company Robin Hood Energy and local people will understandably have concerns. I?d like to make it clear that we are taking the Public Interest Report that was published this week very seriously.? We accept the report?s recommendations and I very much regret the failings in the council?s governance of the company.

The report makes a number of recommendations to review our current practice of company governance which we are fully committed to carrying out. Some of the recommendations have already started to be put into place while a review of future options for RHE will be completed shortly.

Find out more about the report and the council?s response to it Council accepts findings and recommendations of Robin Hood Energy governance report

75^th Anniversary of VJ Day

I will be joining colleagues and friends from across the city and county this weekend to mark the 75^th anniversary of VJ Day and the end of the Second World War. After VE Day in March 1945 many thousands of Armed Forces personnel were still engaged in fighting in the Far East, with many dying or injured in those closing months of the war.

Due to COVID, the Nottinghamshire commemoration at St Mary?s Church is not a public service and will only be attended by The Lord and Deputy Lieutenants of Nottingham, The High Sheriff of Nottingham, The Lord Mayor of Nottingham and a small group of leaders invited from local communities.

The event will instead be broadcast on Notts TV from 12.30pm for the first time and will include a series of readings, presentations, and pre-recorded interviews and hymns which will reflect the local involvement in the conflict. I hope you will take time tomorrow to think of our Armed Forces and remember this important historical occasion.

Enjoy outdoor activities safely in Nottingham

As lockdown restrictions have eased, people in Nottingham have been able to enjoy the numerous and wide-ranging outdoor activities our city has to offer.

It is essential when travelling to and being at these places that people follow the latest COVID rules and guidance to help stop the spread locally and keep each other safe.

In addition to the many outdoor activities Nottingham has all year round such as parks, heritage sites, open water swimming, golf, tennis and fishing, this weekend will also see the Arboretum hosting a Garden Bar and Bandstand with many local acts performing.

If you are planning a trip to your local park, all their latest information can be found here Nottingham Parks and Open Spaces. When travelling to these activities, please remember you are required to wear face coverings on buses and trams. If you are travelling by car you should only do so with people from your household or support bubble and should avoid sharing cars with other people. Please also remember to maintain social distancing. Help stop the spread of Covid by ??

• Washing your hands
• Wearing a face covering
• Keeping your distance
• Getting a free test if you have symptoms (call 119)