The Government has announced today that it has decided not to appoint commissioners but instead strengthen the power of the pre-existing Improvement and Assurance board. This news is welcome and a step in the right direction, but we are not complacent.

The Government has expressed that due to the work and progress the council has made commissioners are not required, and we are pleased it has come to this conclusion. Nottingham City Council and ourselves as elected representatives felt that the current support arrangements had been working well, and we will continue the work of the Improvement and Assurance Board without the need for intervention by commissioners.

We know there is a lot more work to do but we have demonstrated our determination to address the issues which led to the non-statutory review, and I am confident we will continue to work well with the Board to make the progress needed to emerge a better council. Read more here

I would like to thank the 59 different community groups and organisations who came together this summer to provide free holiday activities for children.

Close to 25,000 activity places were provided for city pupils who are eligible for free school meals, with sessions taking place at 79 different venues across the city. I?m pleased that we were also able to provide the parents of every child entitled to free school meals with a ?50 supermarket voucher.

We know that the cost-of-living crisis is making it extremely hard for families at the moment, so I?m delighted we?ve been able to provide fun and enriching summer activities, as well as ensuring children go home with full tummies. Thank you once again to the community groups running the sessions and to Nottingham Forest Community Trust, who were the lead provider. Read more here.

The Holiday Activity Clubs will run again in October half-term. Parents looking to book places can subscribe to our newsletter to hear when bookings open.? Every month newsletter subscribers will also get information about the availability of food vouchers, advice on debt and benefits, reducing household bills, employment and job-hunting support including training courses and more. Subscribe to the newsletter here

From 1 October, the energy cap, and the amount that householders pay for their energy, will go up 80%, taking average bills from just under ?2k a year to ?3.5k a year.

The cap only caps the amount you pay per unit of electricity and gas, it doesn?t cap your bill, meaning that if you use more than the average household, you will pay more than ?3.5k

Here are some steps you can take now

• MoneySavingExpert has an energy rise calculator for you to see how much your bills will likely be from October
• Get tips on saving energy
• If you are currently struggling to pay or are in arrears with energy bills, your supplier will have a scheme to help, and in some cases pay off your arrears. Get in touch with them directly.

Find out more about local organisations that help

With the end of summer in sight, there is still time to enjoy the Nottingham Beach experience.

There's the free-to-access beach and wading pool, alongside a mix of children?s rides and sideshow games and attractions. There?s also a wide range of food and drink choices catering for all ages - from slushies and ice cream through to the Nottingham institution Filthy Vegan.?

The Beach and slides are open until Sunday.