City councillors are due to discuss the proposals for a devolution deal next week, where we will decide if we formally agree to move forward with a public consultation.

Myself and leaders from Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Derby have signed up to work on a devolution deal, after the Government offered the region a package of new powers and funding worth £1.14 billion.

Councils have been working on agreeing a more detailed proposal, which includes information on how devolution would work and how it would benefit local people. We want to make the most of every opportunity, and of every penny, that this deal would bring in. It could make a real difference to people’s lives. More and better jobs, more investment, economic growth, better transport, housing, skills training, and an improved and more sustainable environment.

If these proposals are formally agreed, then a full consultation will follow, giving residents, businesses and other organisations the chance to have their say on the plans, which would see a new regional mayor and new type of combined authority created for the area from 2024.

Find out more on the proposed devolution deal.

Nottingham City Transport have just announced that they will take their already super-green bus fleet even further towards becoming carbon neutral as they welcome 12 new fantastic electric buses in 2023.

The modern buses will run all day on a single overnight charge, have electric air conditioning and be fully accessible with free wi-fi and USB charging.

NCT will also be working with partners Zenobie to convert their Trent Bridge bus garage – which first housed electric trams 121 years ago, ready for an even bigger electric fleet in the future – in another great step towards our Carbon Neutral 28 ambitions.

I visited the bus garage this morning with our chief Executive Mel Barrett to see the new bus that celebrates 125 years of NCT public ownership. NCT’s Managing Director Dave Astill agrees that it’s one of the company’s great strengths, helping it to lead the way nationally and play such a vital role in our excellent integrated transport network.

As we go into the second week of half term, there are still lots of things happening to keep the children entertained. The council is providing a wide variety of things to do in the school holidays and many of these fun and educational activities are cheap or free. There are also lots of free events happening with local organisations.

• Libraries have sessions this half‐term to keep your little ones busy, with LEGO, crafts and an autumn themed picture hunt
• Green’s Mill Holiday Fun sessions this week, including spooky Biscuit Baking and Halloween Mask Making
• Active Nottingham has lots of fun activities on offer across our leisure centres
• Halloween Festival free activities across the city centre running up to 30 October
• FREE Fun and Food sessions are available for children entitled to Free School Meal
• Parks and Open Spaces in Nottingham host a number of activities including walks, playgrounds, outdoor gyms, table tennis and tree trails

Information on other events and activities across the city can be found here Ask Lion | October Half-term Activities