We are experiencing big capacity issues in homecare at the moment, which is a real challenge for the council and other local providers across the city. We really need to help people to live as independently as possible, but we need homecare workers to support them. Could you or someone you know provide this valuable support?

Local homecare providers have positions in homecare available now, with full pay, working close to home, flexible hours and training and opportunities for people to progress their career within the sector. Homecare workers not only make a real difference to people?s lives, but the job can also make a positive difference to your own life.

Listen to homecare worker, Fredlyne Evbuomwan who explains how wonderful the role is:?

We have today launched a 12-week public consultation on proposed changes to our library service, including the closure of three libraries with low use, high costs and nearby alternatives.

We regret proposing any closures as we know how important libraries are to our communities. That?s why we have sought to protect libraries from the impact of the ?303m of budget savings we have made since 2010. However, we now need to be realistic and resourceful about the future of libraries and meeting the needs of our residents. In light of the council?s difficult financial situation, we hope that the proposed transformation will help the library service adapt and become more cost-effective, while also ensuring the needs of Nottingham?s residents continue to be met.

No decisions on any of the proposals being discussed have been made or will be made until we consider your views. We would appreciate you responding to our survey to help inform the City Council about shaping its future library service. You can find out more and take part in the consultation here: www.nottinghamcitylibraries.co.uk/the-next-chapter. Details of face-to-face consultation meetings will follow in due course.

I?d like to say a huge thank you to people who continue to take a regular rapid test for Covid-19. People have been taking the tests before going to school, to work, to the theatre or cinema, or before going out to meet friends in a pub or a restaurant. Rapid tests help to check if you have Covid-19. About one in three people with Covid do not have symptoms but can still infect others. If you test positive and self-isolate, it helps stop the virus spreading.

Even if you?re vaccinated, you could still catch the virus or pass it on. Doing rapid tests helps to protect yourself and others. You can find out where to get the test kits here: Regular rapid coronavirus tests if you do not have symptoms. Remember, if you have symptoms of Covid (cough, temperature, loss of taste or smell,) then please get a PCR test.

We still have high cases of Covid in our city so regular testing is still really important to keep each other safe.

As Nottingham welcomes the Chinese Year of the Tiger, famed for action and adventure, let?s make 2022 a year of action as we strive to create a better city and future for all.

I?d like to wish everyone celebrating in our city happiness and prosperity - Gong hei fat choy!