Unfortunately, although we are now living under the Government?s Plan A restrictions, Covid-19 hasn't gone away. It is still vital that everyone continues to take a regular lateral-flow test to make sure they aren't carrying the virus.?

After taking a test, we must all remember to report our lateral flow test results ? whether they are positive or negative. Please try to report your result within 24 hours of getting it. Reporting results helps track the spread of Covid-19 and spot new outbreaks faster.

It?s quick and easy to report the results ? visit Report a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test result - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). If you cannot use the online service, call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines). Lines are open every day, 7am to 11pm.

Nottingham people will have heard the Government talk about ?levelling up? this week, but they will wonder what it really means for them in their daily lives and what it means for the place they call home.

That is the big test for the Government. What we need is a plan for the soaring cost of energy and food, or help with the enormous pressures on household budgets. In April, many of the people I represent will see big increases in National Insurance, steeply rising prices for home-energy and the Government?s adult social care levy added to council tax bills yet again. Over the past few months, I?ve worked proactively with colleagues in other councils across Nottinghamshire to make the case to Government about the investment our area.

We?ve always been pro-devolution in Nottingham, but detail in terms of additional powers and new investment must be forthcoming. If Government is serious about genuine devolution for our area it has to be about more investment, better transport infrastructure, higher skills for local people and creating more good jobs in our area.

It is imperative that Government matches its words with deeds and begins to deliver in a meaningful way.?As a Core City, Nottingham has much to be proud of and much to build on. We have ambitious plans to truly unlock the potential of our area and be at the heart of growth in our region, plans that are ready to be put into action if we get the green light on funding.

In discussions with Government officials, I will urge them to work with us, to adequately fund local public services, which continue to be under severe strain, to invest in the huge potential of Nottingham and the East Midlands and to start to deliver for people.

There is already a buzz around the city today as the finishing touches are being put on the installations for this year?s Light Night which starts at 5pm. We hope everybody has a great time enjoying our ?Rebel City? after dark. Don?t forget to download the event app for the latest information on the event, or you can pick up a map at the Tourist Information Centre.

The displays explore our rebel past in a range of ways. Don?t miss the neon signs on Lister Gate made by Nottingham Artist Raphael Daden who has created Words of Reflection. ONCE A REBEL is a quote by Nottingham filmmaker Alan Sillitoe, from his work Saturday Night And Sunday Morning. And FEAR LESS relates to the fearless attitude the Luddites had in the City of Nottingham.

It will also be wonderful to see Nottingham Castle lit red for the occasion, and ready to receive thousands of visitors over the two days for the Fire Garden installation. We are also really happy to have worked with many community groups on the event from the Arkwright Community Gardens in The Meadows, to St Stephen?s Church in Sneinton, and the work of the children of Seely School creating beautiful lanterns by decorating recycled glass jars to symbolise a flicker of hope.

There is lots more event information at www.whatsonnottingham.com

Although restrictions are easing, we still advise people to take a rapid lateral-flow test at home before going out, continue to wear a mask in busy indoor spaces ? particularly on public transport ? and get vaccinated. The asymptomatic testing team will have a mobile unit at Light Night, both days between 10am and 9.30pm. The unit will be situated on Smithy Row.

Support is available through Nottingham City Council to cushion local residents from the impact of bill increases following the energy price cap rise. Yesterday, Energy regulator Ofgem announced that the energy price cap will increase by 54% from 1 April this year, leading to an average annual bill going up to ?1,971 for households who pay by direct debit, while those on pre-payment meters will face an even steeper rise of ?2,017 on average. It is very concerning that this April people in Nottingham, many of whom are already struggling, will be seeing a?54% rise in annual energy bills.

The Government has announced a scheme which will see 80% of households across the UK receive ?350 to cope with the coming price rise, with ?200 repayable over the next 5 years. People need to know that the Government's discount on energy bills will be automatically recovered from people's bills in equal ?40 instalments over a five-year period from next year.

In Nottingham we have been taking action on fuel poverty for many years, investing in energy-efficiency improvements so Nottingham people can heat their homes for less. For those struggling to pay their energy bills, advice is available from charities including Nottingham Energy Partnership, Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Age UK, and Energy Saving Trust. Nottingham City Council?s Welfare Rights team can also help the city?s residents who are worried about debts or paying their bills. Contact the team on 0115 915 1355 (8:30am ? 4:50pm) or [email protected].