Covid-19 cases have risen recently in Nottingham. While we have fewer cases than in other parts of the country, it is important that we all take steps now to reduce the spread of the virus. As we approach the colder winter months, it is more important than ever that we join together to take care of our city and each other.

Winter is a difficult time for many. People may struggle to stay warm ? and the darker mornings and evenings can have an impact on our mental health and wellbeing.

We have to make sure that we all keep ourselves safe ? but I would also ask people to think about how we can do more to look out for others. That?s why the City Council has launched a new campaign, asking everyone in Nottingham to ?Take Care of Yourself? and to ?Take Care of Each Other?.

You can ?Take Care of Yourself? by:

• Getting vaccinated against Covid-19
• Staying warm and well in the colder winter months
• Having your flu jab
• Asking for support if you are feeling down or anxious.

We want people to ?Take Care of Each Other? by:

• Wearing a face covering in busy indoor spaces to reduce the spread of Covid-19
• Testing regularly for Covid-19
• Being a good neighbour, such as to older and more vulnerable people.

You can read more about our Take Care campaign here: https://www.mynottinghamnews.co.uk/council-urges-people-to-take-care-this-winter/

I?m pleased that the City Council has launched a consultation on a draft planning guide for reducing carbon emissions in new developments across the city. Traditional buildings consume around 40% of the total fossil fuel energy in the UK and are significant contributors of greenhouse gases.

As a council committed to Nottingham becoming a carbon neutral city by 2028, we would like to be able to go further than we currently do to require developers to consider carbon reduction, energy issues and sustainable design and construction when seeking planning approval in Nottingham. This is just the first step in our planning ambitions, as we work on plans to introduce new local planning polices and look for a steer from Government on National Planning Guidance to help drive real change in the construction and development industry.

Residents, businesses and developers can all have their say on the guidance, until the consultation closes on Monday 29 November (5pm) 2021. More information can be found by visiting: www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/carbon-ipg

November?s Full Council is taking place on Monday and councillors will be discussing and voting on an important motion about childcare and work, an issue that my colleague Cllr Rebecca Langton has raised following meetings with the Nottingham Women?s Centre. Their research shows that?75% of Nottingham women surveyed said the cost of childcare affects the amount they can work. This issue is particularly important given that we are seeing so many other areas of life get more expensive. The motion calls for a number of local measures as well as calling for national action by Government to address this issue.

At Full Council there will also be a number of other important issues discussed, including what the Chancellor?s Spending Review means for Nottingham people, COP26 and the city?s journey to carbon neutrality, e-scooters and Broad Marsh. You can find the agenda and all the papers for the meeting on the Council Website. Please also remember this is a public meeting and you are entitled to attend if you want. The meeting starts at 2.45pm.

We have today announced plans to mark both Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday. There will be a two-minute silence at 11am in front the Council House on Thursday 11 November to mark Armistice Day, with the public welcome to visit Old Market Square to pay their respects in person.

The public is also welcome to attend the full ceremony on Victoria Embankment on Sunday 14 November to mark Remembrance Sunday. There will be a large screen and PA system on the Embankment to help with social distancing and to make sure everybody can see and hear the service. Full details can be found at: https://www.mynottinghamnews.co.uk/city-confirms-remembrance-sunday-arrangements-2/

I was pleased to hear that the team behind the successful opening of the new Broad Marsh Car Park ? home to the most electric charging points in a single location in the UK ? have been named as having the best ?Fleet Electrification Strategy of the Year? at the Electric Vehicle Innovation and Excellence awards (EVIES).

The City Council?s Parking, Fleet and Transport Operations team? has a fleet replacement strategy that is industry-leading ? with 30% of the fleet now Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles.? Congratulations to them on this national recognition.