A public consultation about Devolution for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham is now live and runs until Monday 9 January 2023.

The deal, which offers the region a package of new powers and funding worth ?1.14 billion ? that?s ?38 million?a year over the next 30 years, has the potential to make a real difference to people?s lives. Benefits we will want to see for Nottingham include better jobs, further integrated transport, skills training, more housing and an approach to net zero that also delivers on those agendas.

This is the opportunity for everyone to have their say.?You can also find out more about the new Devolution proposals at our Teams Live online public engagement meeting on Wednesday 7 December, 6pm-7.30pm. The event is open to everyone across the area and it?s your chance to hear about the proposals from local council leaders and chief executives and put your devolution questions to the panel.

To join a meeting, simply go to Have Your Say ? East Midlands Devolution and click on the Teams Live meeting link before the start of the meeting. You can also fill in the survey on this website and find out more information on the proposals, including FAQs.

I?m delighted to say we?re on track to replace 34,300 lights with new LED sources across the city. Nottingham City Council successfully bid for ?7m from the Government?s Levelling Up fund, which will be used for this work. The ambitious programme began in July, starting with Sherwood and Clifton. LEDs will be installed ward by ward until completion in March 2024.

LED lights are more energy efficient and cost effective. The team have made great progress and will help us achieve our goal to make Nottingham carbon-neutral by 2028.

You can find out more about the programme here.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and it?s important you know the signs to look for. The outlook for the condition is not as good as other types of cancer, meaning recognising the symptoms and early diagnosis are very important. I lost my grandmother, Mama to me, to lung cancer and though she was what we would call a good age, it was still devastating. Any cases we can prevent or catch early, is more years with the people in our families and communities we love, so help spread the word.

Lung Cancer is England?s most common, most serious and biggest cause of cancer deaths in the UK. More than 43,000 people are diagnosed with the condition every year. Although people who have never smoked can still develop lung cancer, the most common cause of the disease is smoking and more common as you get older. Most, but not all, people who get it are over the age of 50.

There are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages, but many people with the condition eventually develop one or more symptoms including:

• A persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer
• Coughing up blood
• Persistent breathlessness
• Unexplained tiredness and weight loss
• An ache or pain when breathing or coughing.

If you have any of these symptoms, I would urge you to contact your GP. For more information on Lung Cancer, the symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention, visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/. Nottingham City residents can also access support on quitting smoking through Stubit! at www.ncgpa.org.uk/stub-it.

The Covid Autumn Booster is being offered to those who are most at risk.

If you are over 50, pregnant, a carer or have a long-term health condition, I would urge you to book an appointment to make sure you are protected ahead of the winter months when cases are expected to increase. Levels of protection can fall over time, so even if you?ve already had Covid-19, you will still need to top up your immunity.

Find out more: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/how-to-get-a-coronavirus-vaccine/how-to-get-a-booster-dose/

You can find your nearest vaccination centre and book online at nhs.uk. It?s also never too late if you haven?t had the jab at all yet.