Yesterday at our Executive Board meeting we approved revised proposals which save three libraries from closure by instead altering library opening times.

Initial proposals to close Basford, Radford/Lenton and Aspley libraries had been put forward to make savings as we continue to face stark financial choices. However, some savings have already been achieved through a staffing restructure in the libraries service, meaning only ?79,000 of savings were needed from the original ?233,000.

Strong public feedback against the closure proposals and emerging factors such as the important role of libraries during the cost-of-living crisis as warm hubs, allowed us to look again at how to achieve the necessary changes and savings.

At the Executive Board meeting we voted in favour of keeping all existing libraries open, but with some shortened opening times across the library network, and Aspley Library modified to create a stock distribution and outreach hub while retaining it as a publicly accessible library.

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A new licensing scheme to improve standards for local private tenants also took a positive step forward at Executive Board.

The proposals aim to introduce a second scheme of Selective Licensing and would require private landlords who rent out properties in certain parts of the city to obtain a licence, demonstrating that they and their properties meet required standards.

It was agreed to submit the scheme to Government for approval. If given the go-ahead, it will help make sure that privately rented homes are safer, suitable for tenants to live in and that they are managed effectively. It will give the council resource and powers to safeguard tenants and hold non-compliant landlords to account.

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If you are eligible for free school meals for your children, please claim them. This can ease financial pressures families are facing by saving parents up to ?437 per year. Primary school children in reception, year 1 and year 2 are entitled to Universal Free School Meals that are free for all children in Government-funded schools. Just ask to have school meals at your school office.

If your circumstances have changed your children may be able to continue having free school meals after year 2. Please check your eligibility here and apply for Free School Meals at: https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals.

Our catering service Eat Culture, Nottingham Catering provides freshly prepared hot meals for many city schools in a warm, friendly dining hall. Their meals meet school food standards for children?s nutritional needs and are healthy, balanced and enjoyable.

Work began yesterday on a brand-new Bulwell bus station. Made possible thanks to money we bid for and won through the Transforming Cities fund, the new bus station will bring:

• Safer, energy efficient passenger waiting facilities
• Improved accessibility for wheelchairs
• Multiple seating options for people with different mobility needs
• Improved efficiency for bus operators
• A more welcoming environment.

And the new Bulwell Bus Station will be more environmentally friendly and sustainable through solar powered bus shelter lighting, and new greenery introduced in planters along the footpaths to increase biodiversity!

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It?s good to see Nottingham ranked seventh in the UK in a new report that measures employee growth. The report looked at companies across the UK?s council areas in 2021 and showed a 5.34% average employee growth in Nottingham, making it one of the top council areas for fast-growing companies in the UK.

It highlights the incredible potential of high-growth businesses which represent the strength of our universities, the city?s world recognised historical innovation, and the hugely significant amount of infrastructure and regeneration investment Nottingham has seen in recent years.

Local businesses and the report authors Beauhurst are meeting tomorrow to discuss the findings with a panel of experts.

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