[To receive the Mayor’s announcements]

That the Mayor’s Communications be noted.

1.    The Death of the Duke of Edinburgh

The Mayor was saddened to report the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, on 9th April. The Council opened an online book of condolence which was signed by many people, and Former Mayor, Councillor Claire Darke, sent a message of condolence to Her Majesty the Queen on behalf of the Council and citizens of Wolverhampton.

2.    Death of a Former Councillor

The Mayor was saddened to announce the death of Mr Eric Preece, a Councillor for the former borough of Wednesfield. 

The Mayor expressed his condolences to his partner Terry, his family and his friends.

3.    Covid-19 Update

The Mayor announced that just over 75,000 people had now been given both doses of the vaccination, while over 135,000 residents had received at least one jab – with a total of over 210,000 vaccines now delivered in the city.

The Mayor encouraged all citizens eligible to receive a Covid-19 vaccination to protect themselves and the community.

4.    Appointment of a City Council Officer as a Deputy Lieutenant for Shropshire

The Mayor was delighted to announce that Mr Martin Stevens, a Scrutiny Officer with the Council, had been appointed to the Lord Lieutenants Office for the County of Shropshire as a Deputy Lieutenant, Former Mayor Councillor Claire Darke had written to congratulate him on this prestigious new role.

5.    Fair Trade City Status

The Mayor was delighted to announce that Wolverhampton had successfully renewed its Fair Trade City status for another two years.  This was achieved even though many of the Fair Trade team’s plans were abandoned last year.

6.    Armed Forces Day 2021

The Mayor reported planning for an event to mark Armed Forces Week were in progress and if Covid restrictions continue to be lifted as planned, the week would begin with a short Flag Raising Ceremony at the Flagpole at 11am on 21 June and a Celebration event on Saturday 26 June in West Park.

7.    IDAHOT 2021- International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

The Mayor reported that the City Council marked International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on Monday 17 May by raising the rainbow flag.

The Mayor added the City Council also launched the Rainbow City Consultation.  The Rainbow City Project was looking at ensuring that the City was a safe, equal, diverse and inclusive place.  It looks at key themes such as LGBT+ health and support services, community and economy and our reputation.  The consultation had been launched to gain feedback and opinions from residents, services and business to help shape the strategy going forward.  This will be for a period of 8 weeks.

8.     Queens Award for Voluntary Service 2022

The Mayor requested residents on behalf of the City Council to nominate city voluntary organisation groups now for The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2022.

The Mayor added the nominations process was now open, until 15 September 2021 and encouraged anyone who knows of or works with a voluntary organisation worthy of recognition to put them forward online at www.qavs.culture.gov.uk.

Resolved:

That the Mayor’s Communications be noted.