We’re all facing around a £700-a-year rise in energy costs from today, with other bills such as national insurance, water, and car tax (for some) also rising. This is at the same time as general inflation is set to hit 8% this month. We’re all going to feel the impact of increased costs, but some households in the city are going to be particularly badly affected.

Nobody in Nottingham should have to choose between heating and eating. We need sustainable solutions which give people opportunities to lift themselves out of poverty and keep pace with the rising cost of living. The Government have recently given some temporary funding to help with household finances, such as the Household Support Grant and the energy rebate, but more must be done to address financial inequality in the UK.

Temporary support grants are, of course, welcome but a more sustainable solution must be found to tackle inequality in the longer term.

To make sure you're in the best possible position to cope, our friendly Welfare Rights team can support you with issues like debt, eviction, and help you to make sure you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to. They can give advice and help you to come up with a plan.

Contact them weekdays 8.30am – 4.50pm:

• 0115 915 1355
• welfarerights@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

If you’re a council tenant, you can contact Nottingham City Homes for support at www.nottinghamcityhomes.org.uk/renthelp

You are invited to join me tomorrow (Saturday) at a public memorial event on the steps of the Council House in Nottingham to remember those who have lost their lives to Covid-19.

Taking place at 1pm, the event will include a minute’s silence and will bring together faith leaders and civic guests, including the Lord Mayor and the Sheriff of Nottingham.

We will also be joined by representatives from the NHS, police, universities and community and voluntary groups. You can read more here: https://www.mynottinghamnews.co.uk/covid-19-memorial-event-to-remember-those-lost-to-the-virus-in-nottingham

On Monday this week, the Old Market Square saw the return of local employers and job seekers to the first big jobs fair since the pandemic. 

It was a really busy event with lots of people attending and meeting a wide range of employers and support providers with more than 1,500 positions on offer.

For anyone who wasn't able to come along, or who needs one-to-one support, Nottingham Jobs can be contacted on 0115 876 4508, or by registering at www.nottinghamjobs.com. Job seekers and anyone looking for employment and skills support are also encouraged to look out for more smaller community jobs fairs throughout the year.

Significant changes have taken place in the way people regard and manage the things that are no longer needed.

Today, waste is no longer something which is buried in the ground. It is a resource to be re-used, recycled or converted to energy.

The need to ensure waste is planned for in a sustainable way and plays a part in addressing climate change is becoming ever more important. That’s why we've been working with Nottinghamshire County Council to produce a new Draft Waste Local Plan for the area, which will provide a strategy for waste management until 2038. 

The plan aims to ensure we have sufficient capacity to meet future needs with targets around minimising waste production, recycling, heat capture from waste, and seeks to minimise landfill.  

Waste affects everyone, including residents, businesses and developers, so we would like to hear all views the strategy. Don't miss your chance to have your say on the plan, which is open for consultation until Monday (4 April). Find out more

There's plenty to keep the whole family busy across the city this Easter break. From walks in the park to sports, to exhibitions and shows.

Enjoy theatre for kids in Nottingham Libraries with the brilliant Curious Investigators for 3-7 year olds and Look Mum, no Hands! for ages seven and up. 

Nottingham Castle will host spring events including Easter craft activities alongside the new Female Gaze exhibition.

From a foam party to parent and tots skate sessions, the National Ice Centre has got plenty of fun lined up. Plus, there are public skating sessions each day.

At our heritage sites, the Journeys from Japan exhibition continues at Newstead Abbey with beautiful walks and perhaps a picnic in the grounds if the weather holds? And the Titus - T.rex is King exhibition continues at Wollaton Hall – don't forget this dinosaur is only in residence until August. There is also a vintage funfair in the grounds.

Look out for more Easter events at Nottingham Contemporary, Lakeside Arts, New Art Exchange, Stonebridge City Farm, Green's Windmill, as well as details of school holiday and activity clubs at AskLion: The directory for activities and support in Nottingham is AskLion

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by many Muslims, begins tomorrow and ends next month. Those taking part do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset to celebrate and reflect on their faith.

I want to wish everyone observing Ramadan in Nottingham a peaceful month full of joy and health.

Ramadan Mubarak!