Nottingham currently has a low rate of Covid-19 ? and that?s thanks to the hard work of people in our city to get vaccinated, regularly test for the virus, and continue to think about how we might apply ?Hands, Face, Space? to our everyday lives. I?m pleased that our city continues to pull together in the face of this ongoing pandemic. Now is not the time to let down our guard: we have to keep going? Covid is still present in our communities and so we must continue to encourage as many people as possible to get vaccinated and also to wear face coverings in busy indoor spaces, such as public transport. It will make a difference. If you know someone who is yet to be vaccinated, please tell them it?s not too late ? they can still go along to grab their jab.

We know there is still much to. We?ve heard today that secondary school children aged 12-15 will be offered the vaccine. The City Council is ready to support the NHS, schools and parents with the rollout of the vaccination programme over the coming weeks.

Please take a moment to think about why getting vaccinated is important. Councillor Ethan Radford got his second Covid jab this morning. He wants to keep people in the city safe? but also knows that having the jab will bring him nearer to seeing his Nana for the first time in 18 months. Watch his story here

A refreshed Strategic Council Plan 21-23 setting out the City Councils renewed priorities and direction for the next three years was approved at our full council meeting today. The council has taken stock in light of the Covid pandemic and a non-statutory review of its financial and governance arrangements on behalf of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, to look afresh at our 2019-2023 Council Plan.

We set out our Council Plan for this period in 2019 but a lot has changed since then, including a global pandemic and a Government review of the council, so it was important for us to look again at it. Our Recovery and Improvement Plan is clear that if we are to achieve our aims and live up to our aspirations for Nottingham, we must be prepared to rethink what we do and how we do it. This refreshed Council Plan does that and helps us to plot a new course for the council which remains ambitious for Nottingham and its people while ensuring our finances are sustainable so we can continue delivering the modern, efficient services that local people deserve.

The full council meeting also approved a new council constitution as part of its Recovery and Improvement Plan, to provide greater clarity, transparency and streamline decision making. The revised constitution addresses some of the key issues raised in the Government?s rapid review of the council, by establishing and embedding best governance practice throughout our decision-making processes and setting out clear lines of accountability for officers and councillors. This is the foundation stone on which we can build our recovery and improvement and ensure that sound financial and policy decisions are being made on behalf of the people of Nottingham.

Find out more City Council agrees refreshed vision

Local people of any age who are looking for work, a career change, or want to apply for their first full-time job after leaving education, are invited to come along to the Nottingham North Jobs & Healthy Living Fair this Thursday. To maintain a safe event for all, a booking system is in place with admission time slots from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

Organised by Nottingham Jobs and partners, the fair aims to support people who have faced employment challenges as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic by helping them to find and apply for jobs, build their confidence and improve their interview skills. The fair will offer residents opportunities to speak to the many employers who are recruiting right now, as well as free health checks and advice to help them live healthier lifestyles.

Visitors can book more than one ticket so are encouraged to book for family or friends who may not have email addresses. Anyone without an email or finding it difficult to complete their booking, can contact Nottingham Jobs on 0115 876 4508 for assistance. You can book place at Eventbrite