We?re now four months into the Streets for People programme, and many improvements have been made so far. Work is due to be completed by March 2024.

Across all twenty wards, our transport team will be:

• Upgrading pavements and walkways to make them safer
• Making repairs to roads and cycle paths to help improve traffic flow and safety.

Check the Streets for People page here for the latest updates and to see the work being done near you.

Our public consultation about the proposals for the council?s 2023/24 budget closes today. If you still haven?t given your feedback, you can still do so by completing the online survey here before midnight tonight.

Having initially set a balanced medium term financial plan, soaring inflation blew a hole in next year?s budget, leading to further difficult decisions having to be considered. By taking the survey you can see the proposals we have put forward and let us know your views. Your feedback is part of good decision making, so please take part if you can.

All views will be taken into consideration before proposals are put back before our Executive Board next month and ratified at March?s meeting of the full council.

We know that being a victim of rape or other sexual offences, and going through a police investigation, will be extremely difficult and it?s essential that people are well supported through that process. Operation Bluestone Soteria is inviting victim-survivors across the UK to take part in a survey about the experience of the police investigation.

The survey team is particularly keen to hear from people who are:

• Over 18 years old
• A victim of rape or sexual assault
• Whose case has been investigated by a police force in the UK.

The survey aims to give voice to victims, and all views and experiences, both positive and negative, will be valuable in helping police forces to improve.

The online survey is completely anonymous. If you?d like to participate, the survey is here along with support numbers: https://cityunilondon.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4GikU2bi38jO0MS?jfefe=new

The council?s fostering team invite anyone interested in fostering to come along to an information morning on Saturday 6 February. The event takes place at the council?s Loxley House headquarters on Station Street starting at 10.30am.

It?s a great opportunity to talk to our fostering team and find out what is involved in becoming a foster carer. There will be some of our amazing foster carers there to chat to, as well.

You can find out more here https://bit.ly/FosteringEventFeb

I get many residents contacting me worried about how the cost of living increases will affect them and their families.

There is support in Nottingham. If you are unsure what support is available then come to one of our events and speak to someone about how to reduce energy bills, money management, debt advice, along with benefits and employment support. The remaining sessions are:

• Tuesday 31 Jan,?10am-1pm - Hyson Green Youth Club, Sport Hall, NG7 6ER?
• Tuesday 7 Feb, 1-4pm?- Hope Centre, Clifton, NG11 8AR ?
• Tuesday 21?Feb, 1-4pm?- The Chase Neighbourhood Centre, St Ann?s, NG3 4EZ.

You can also find advice and be signposted to other help and resources via our Asklion money pages.