On Sunday last week, I attended the 80th anniversary of VE Day at Southwell Minster. It was a moment of immense pride and so, as the living memory of generations fade, our responsibility to remember only deepens. Earlier that morning I also joined members of the Sikh community to celebrate Vaisakhi in the Park, at Wollaton Park, with food stalls, entertainment and live music by students from the Nottingham Asian Arts Council Academy.
Monday was our Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Nottingham City Council. For the first time, the meeting was live-streamed, making our democratic process more open and accessible to residents across the city.
At the AGM, we elected our new Lord Mayor, Councillor Patience Ifediora, the first women of African heritage to this prestigious position, marking an important milestone in our city’s proud history. We also appointed our new Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor Zafran Khan. Both bring a wealth of experience and passion for serving our city, and I know they will represent Nottingham with pride. I’d like to congratulate them both on their appointments. and thank our outgoing civic leaders for their service to the city.
I also appointed our new Executive Members, who will lead on key areas of our Council Plan. This year is an important year for the Council as we look to deliver on our ambitious plans. I look forward to working with them to deliver for the people of Nottingham - ensuring we continue to build a fairer, safer, and more inclusive city. You can read more about our new Executive Members here.
Finally, I received a letter from the Government reflecting on the latest Commissioners’ report highlights the positive progress being made at Nottingham City Council. From introducing a wide range of reforms to better financial oversight, this recognition reflects the hard work of staff and elected members alike. The progress made over the past year marks an important step forward, but we also know there is more to be done in improving how we work and how we serve the people of Nottingham Read more below.
The Council’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place earlier today (12 May), with the Leader of the Council promising another year of delivering for Nottingham.
Councillor Neghat Khan said; “The progress made over the past year marks an important step forward in improving how we work and how we serve the people of Nottingham.
“Nottingham deserves a council that delivers good local services and sets an ambitious vision for a city where people want to live, work and study. Over the last year, I’ve worked with members and officers to put us on the right footing to achieve that, and our recently approved Council Plan sets out our ambition and core priorities as a Council.”
Commissioners working with Nottingham City Council have highlighted ‘much positive progress’ in developing plans for improvement and ‘a clear direction on instituting reforms’.
The comments came in the Commissioner’s second report since being appointed by the Government to oversee improvements at the authority in February 2024.
Join Active Nottingham for their exciting "Read and Swim Events" to celebrate the launch of their new children's book, Notty's New Hat!
When and where?
- Djanogly Community Leisure Centre, Friday 16 May 2025 between 4pm and 6pm
- Clifton Leisure Centre, Monday 19 May 2025 between 9:30am and 3pm
What to expect?
- Attendees will receive a FREE copy of Notty's New Hat along with other fun Notty-themed goodies!
- The events will feature a reading of Notty's New Hat for children, followed by engaging activities.
- Enjoy a Swim for Fun* session in the pool to wrap up a fun day!
*Spaces are subject to availability.
Nottingham City Council, the Environment Agency, and Sneinton Market businesses have partnered to deliver six sustainable drainage planters (SuDS) to reduce urban flood risk and support biodiversity.
These planters collect rainwater from rooftops, helping to reduce flooding and improve water quality, whilst also creating a home for bees and bugs.
This week we are also marking International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Nottingham is a city where everyone should feel safe, seen, and supported, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. We stand firmly with our LGBTQ+ communities and reaffirm our commitment to tackling hate and promoting equality.
It is also Mental Health Awareness Week, and we want to take this opportunity to encourage all of us to look out for one another – whether it’s a colleague, neighbour, friend or family member. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and support is available if you or someone you know needs it.
Nottingham City Council is proud to support Foster Care Fortnight, running from 12 to 25 May 2025—the UK’s largest campaign to raise awareness of fostering, led by national charity The Fostering Network.
This year’s theme, The Power of Relationships, celebrates the vital connections that sit at the heart of every fostering journey. From the deep bonds between foster carers and children to the support of social workers, friendships within fostering communities, and relationships with birth families—these connections shape lives, create stability, and open doors to brighter futures.
Across the fortnight, we’ll be celebrating how relationships transform the lives of children and young people in care. Here in the East Midlands, we’re shining a spotlight on powerful Fostering Moments—real stories that show just how life-changing these bonds can be.
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