People often ask me how and where the council spends its money. The answer is actually quite complicated as we do much more than some might think. By far our biggest area of expenditure is on support for vulnerable children and for adult social care. You may be surprised that this accounts for around 63% of the total money we have to spend each year. These are mainly what are called statutory services ? ones we have to provide by law - and the costs for these are rising rapidly each and every year. There are nearly 700 children in care in the city who for different reasons can?t remain with their families. The population is getting older and more people need support from Adult Social Care in their older years. People with significant disabilities now live much longer requiring more support from the council.

We also provide a host of other services like emptying the bins, cleaning the streets, looking after our wonderful parks, keeping people safe in our communities, providing our libraries and managing environmental health and air quality. That?s alongside our responsibilities for things like housing, transport, waste disposal and public health ? the list goes on and on. However, while they are highly valued by many people, some of these services are non-statutory and different councils make their own decisions on how much they do in providing these.

We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded a total of 41 Green Flag Awards this year from Keep Britain Tidy. This award recognises and highlights the value we put on our parks and green spaces, they are such an important part of people?s lives and well-being in Nottingham.

After 18 months that have seen our parks and green spaces play a vital role for people through lockdowns as a place to relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely, the news that we have again achieved a record number of Green Flag's is testament to all the hard work and dedication of the team and many volunteers that make our green spaces great spaces that everyone can enjoy.

We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining our parks and open spaces to such a high standard. Find out more

Cases of Covid-19 are rising across the country ? and, although we?re now seeing a slight increase in Nottingham, we are more stable than other areas. I believe that is thanks to everyone taking the right steps to stay safe and reduce the spread of the virus. We can?t stop now. I?m keen to avoid a rise in cases that might see tighter restrictions reintroduced? much like we saw last autumn and winter. Let?s all continue to take action: get vaccinated, regularly test for the virus, and continue to think about how we might apply ?Hands, Face, Space? to our everyday lives. You can find all the information about testing and vaccinations here: www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19

It?s half-term in Nottingham. Here are some great things to do with kids that will keep them busy and entertained:

• Halloween trail in the city centre - The Nottingham Halloween Trail returns to the city centre for a fortnight of free spooktacular family fun
• The Look Up adventure trail in the city centre continues - have a fun wander around and learn some new things about our beautiful city
• Halloween fun at Nottingham Castle - Abramelin?s Academy of Arcana?, an amazing and interactive School of Wizardry!
• FREE dinosaur trail and activities in our libraries ? complete the trail to get a free book, while stocks last
• Stonebridge City Farm ? head down to the farm to see the animals, have fun at the playground and more
• Halloween trail at Wollaton and Newstead ? both our heritage sites are running Halloween trails for little ones ? the Skeleton Trail at Wollaton and the Spooky Spells and Pumpkin trails at Newstead
• Green?s Windmill ? are open every day, plus enjoy FREE science and space themed activities at the Mill
• FREE family activities at Nottingham Contemporary ? book on a session online