A major conference was held today bringing together key businesses with community, health and education leaders to discuss the East Midlands devolution deal.

I had the pleasure of opening the event and discussing what this deal will mean for our region with attendees. There is clearly a lot of interest and excitement about what benefits the devolution deal can bring ? which includes a package of new powers and funding worth ?1.14 billion, or ?38 million a year over the next 30 years.

Delegates could see that this has the potential to make a real difference to people?s lives. Key benefits include more investment in our area, economic growth, more and better jobs, better transport and skills training, more housing, an enhanced greener environment and crucially, more power in local hands.

The conference is part of starting discussions around making the most of Devolution for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham ? with a public consultation underway which runs until Monday 9 January 2023. More information, and access to an online public engagement meeting this Wednesday, is available here: Have Your Say ? East Midlands Devolution.

Today is a day to recognise and thank our amazing local volunteers for their tireless work to make our city a better place to live.

Our 7,000-plus fantastic Clean Champions are probably our biggest group of volunteers who work with the City Council (join now to get a free litter picking kit) but I want to send a huge thanks to everyone who volunteers in any way here in Nottingham ? from those who work with our children in schools, youth clubs, with older people, or elsewhere in our communities.

Thinking about how you could use your time to make things better in your neighbourhood? Find volunteering opportunities here

You can join the Waste Team at Bulwell Riverside tomorrow (6^th December) to have your say on the proposed changes to waste and recycling collections in Nottingham.

We?re hoping to hear views on a range of new schemes to reduce the amount of waste created in the city, increase recycling rates, and avoid sending rubbish to landfill. We?re exploring:

• Starting food waste collections
• Changing how recycling is collected
• Supporting residents to recycle right
• Encouraging people to reuse and repair items like clothes and electricals.

Drop in at the Conference Room at Bulwell Riverside any time between 11.15am and 1pm on 6^th December to ask questions about what the changes mean for you. You can also find out more and provide your feedback on the proposals here.

A Nottingham Express Transit survey is now open to everyone whether you regularly take the tram or have never taken it at all. You can give your feedback on tram stops, the frequency of the trams, what other forms of transport you use and more.

It will only take a few minutes to complete, and you could win a year?s free tram travel.

You can fill in the survey here