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Summary
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The Cabinet of Derbyshire County Council met on Thursday, 30 July 2026, to discuss a range of important issues, approving strategies for environmental sustainability and the hosting of the Tour de France Femmes, alongside significant financial and infrastructure project updates. Key decisions included the approval of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy (2026-2030), acceptance of funding for the Tour de France Femmes 2027 Grand Départ in Derbyshire, and variations to the South Derbyshire Growth Zone project to ensure its timely delivery.
Environmental Sustainability Strategy (2026-2030)
The Cabinet approved the new Environmental Sustainability Strategy for 2026-2030, which replaces the previous Climate Change Strategy. This broader framework aims to deliver environmental, economic, and social benefits, including improved health and wellbeing, reduced fuel poverty, and enhanced resilience to extreme weather. The strategy is structured around eight key themes: caring for Derbyshire's natural environment and landscapes; using energy, fuel, and water efficiently; supporting clean, secure energy; maintaining and improving air quality; reducing waste and using resources wisely; preparing for extreme and adverse weather; making travel easier; and helping people connect with the natural environment. Each theme includes ambition statements, delivery measures, and indicators of success, with a detailed action plan to guide implementation. The strategy acknowledges the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation and aims to provide a high-level framework that can be adapted by future authorities.
Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift 2027: Acceptance of Funding and Associated Agreements
Derbyshire County Council accepted a grant of up to £2.4 million from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to support the county's hosting of Stage 2 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift on Saturday, 31 July 2027. This decision is considered a key decision due to the significant expenditure involved. The funding will contribute to event planning, traffic management, operational requirements, and community engagement. The Cabinet also delegated authority to the Executive Director – Place, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Democratic Services, to agree the terms of and enter into the necessary back-to-back funding agreement with EMCCA and a Host Agreement with Grand Depart GB. This event is expected to deliver substantial economic, tourism, and community benefits, promoting cycling and active lifestyles.
South Derbyshire Growth Zone Project: Variation to Delivery Arrangements
The Cabinet approved activities to increase the budget for the South Derbyshire Growth Zone (SDGZ) project to £89.100 million, an increase from the previous estimate of £77.040 million. This variation is necessary to ensure the timely delivery of the capital project, mitigate risks, and address increased costs due to the current programme sequencing and economic factors. The approval includes the submission of a Full Business Case for National Highways Growth and Housing Accelerator funding to address a funding gap. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director – Place to enter into collaboration agreements with local authority partners and stakeholders, bring forward EMCCA funding for earlier use, approve additional spend at risk, and move expenditure within the construction contract stages. The project aims to unlock significant housing and commercial development in South Derbyshire and is a key part of the Council's approved Regeneration Pipeline.
Capital Outturn for 2025-26
The Cabinet noted that capital expenditure for the financial year 2025-26 totalled £114.130 million. This expenditure was financed through grants, capital receipts, and the use of reserves, with £11.168 million financed by borrowing. Capital budgets totalling £228.629 million will be reprofiled into future years. The report detailed capital expenditure by directorate, highlighting significant projects within Adult Social Care and Health, Children's Services, Corporate Services and Transformation, and Place.
Treasury Management Outturn Report 2025-26
The Cabinet noted the report on Treasury Management activities during the 2025-26 financial year, confirming the Council's compliance with prudential indicators set by the Council in accordance with the CIPFA Code. The report detailed the economic background, financial markets, and the Council's borrowing and investment activities, noting that overall interest paid on borrowing was £40.571 million against a budget of £43.623 million, and interest received on investments was £10.934 million against a budget of £3.870 million.
Delivery of the 2025-26 Highways Capital Programme
The Cabinet noted the successful delivery of the 2025-26 Highways Capital Programme, with a total value exceeding £60 million. This programme was funded through highways maintenance and integrated transport grants administered by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). The report also highlighted additional external funding secured for priority schemes, including investment through the Safer Roads Fund and targeted funding for A6 retaining walls and countywide landslip mitigation works. The actual spend for the year was £60.927 million, a significant increase from previous years.
Extra Care - Care and Support Provision
Approval was given to proceed with the procurement of a CQC registered care provider for the Waltham House Extra Care Scheme in Wirksworth. The contract will be for up to seven years with a maximum value of £2,889,432. This procurement is necessary to ensure the continuity of 24/7 care and support services for residents. The Executive Director of Adult Social Care, in consultation with the Cabinet Member, will approve any amendments to the procurement approach, and the Executive Director will give final approval for the award of the contract.
Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) Policy Update
The Cabinet approved the revised Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) and Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) Policy. This updated policy reflects current legislation, introduces clearer safeguards and governance, and strengthens transparency and oversight of investigatory powers. The policy does not introduce new powers but tightens controls and legal thresholds for their use, particularly concerning communications data and digital investigations. The use of these powers by the Council is noted as extremely limited, primarily by Trading Standards.
Award of Contract – Supply of Water and Ancillary Services
The Cabinet approved the recommendations in a not-for-publication report concerning the award of a contract for the supply of water and ancillary services. This contract will be awarded to Water Plus for DCC Corporate sites, with an option for schools to access the same savings.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Award of Contract – Supply of Water and Ancillary services
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet Member for Highways approved the procurement of technical services for core logging and associated testing. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director – Place to award the contract and progress delivery. This decision allows for an expenditure of up to £0.480m over three years.
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Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift 2027: Acceptance of Funding and Associated Agreements
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership approved changes to outside body appointments on 30/07/2026. Councillor M Cliff replaced Councillor C Wood on the Environment Agency - Regional Flood and Coastal Committee for the Trent Catchment and the Yorkshire Regional Flood and Coastal Committee. Councillor S Bent replaced Councillor R Hatfield and Councillor D Harvey replaced Councillor T Wilson on the Derbyshire Combined Fire Authority.
The Cabinet approved accepting a grant of up to £2.4m from the East Midlands Combined County Authority for the Tour de France Femmes 2027 on 30/07/2026. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director – Place to agree terms and enter into funding and host agreements. The Executive Director – Place was authorised to take all necessary steps to deliver the Council's obligations as a host authority.
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Environmental Sustainability Strategy (2026-2030)
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Derbyshire Council approved the Environmental Sustainability Strategy (2026-2030) on 30/07/2026. The strategy sets out the council's approach to environmental sustainability, including themes on caring for the natural environment, energy efficiency, clean energy, air quality, waste reduction, preparing for extreme weather, sustainable travel, and connecting people with nature. The approved strategy includes plans for departmental biodiversity action plans, updating the tree and woodland strategy, and implementing LED lighting replacements.
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Delivery of the 2025-26 Highways Capital Programme
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Derbyshire Council decided to note the successful delivery of highway maintenance activities during 2025-26 and the additional external funding secured for priority schemes. This decision was made on 30/07/2026. The council noted successful delivery of highway maintenance activities exceeding £60m and additional funding for schemes including the Safer Roads Fund and landslip mitigation works.
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Treasury Management Outturn Report 2025-26
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet approved the revised Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) and Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) Policy on 30/07/2026. The policy updates reflect current legislation, introduce clearer safeguards and governance, and strengthen transparency and oversight of investigatory powers. It includes a framework for accessing communications data, clearer legal thresholds for use of powers, updated guidance for digital and social media investigations, strengthened governance and oversight, and introduces a digital authorisation process.
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Capital Outturn for 2025-26
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Derbyshire Council approved the revised Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) and Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) Policy on 30 July 2026. The policy updates reflect current legislation, introduce clearer safeguards and governance, and strengthen transparency and oversight of investigatory powers. This includes the inclusion of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, clearer legal thresholds for use of powers, updated guidance for digital and social media investigations, strengthened governance, and the introduction of a digital authorisation process.
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Extra Care - Care and support Provision
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Derbyshire Council decided to approve the procurement of a care provider for Waltham House Extra Care Scheme. The decision was made on 30/07/2026. The Cabinet approved proceeding with procurement for up to seven years with a maximum contract value of £2,889,432, and noted that the Executive Director of Adult Social Care and Health will approve any amendments to the procurement approach and the final award.
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Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) Policy Update
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Derbyshire Council on 30 July 2026 approved the revised Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) and Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) Policy. The policy update reflects current legislation, introduces clearer safeguards and governance, and strengthens transparency and oversight of investigatory powers.
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Variation to Delivery Arrangements for South Derbyshire Growth Zone Project
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Derbyshire Council decided to approve activities to increase the South Derbyshire Growth Zone project budget and bring forward necessary work and expenditure. This decision was made on 30/07/2026. The Cabinet authorised the Executive Director – Place to enter into collaboration agreements, bring forward EMCCA funding, approve additional spend at risk, and move expenditure from Stage 2 to Stage 1 of the construction contract.
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