The Derbyshire County Council Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 29 January 2026, to discuss key financial and strategic planning documents for the upcoming year. The agenda includes a review of the council's reserves, the results of budget consultations, and proposals for the capital programme and treasury management. A significant portion of the meeting will be dedicated to the Council Plan Refresh for 2026-29 and departmental service plans, alongside discussions on school block funding and admissions arrangements for children's services.

Revenue Budget and Council Tax for 2026-27

A central item for discussion is the Revenue Budget Report for 2026-27. This report outlines the council's financial plans for the coming year, including proposals for council tax levels. The agenda indicates that the report will detail financial implications, provide a summary of the revenue budget, and present a forecast revenue outturn for Quarter 3 of the 2025-26 financial year. It also includes information on funding and council tax projections for 2026-27. The robustness of the budget estimates will also be considered.

Council Plan Refresh and Departmental Service Plans

The meeting will also focus on the Council Plan Refresh for the period 2026-29, alongside departmental service plans for the same timeframe. This strategic document sets out the council's priorities and objectives for the next three years. Supporting documents include the Council Plan itself, a delivery framework to support its implementation, and specific departmental plans for Adult Social Care and Health, and Children's Services. An Equality Impact Assessment for the Council Plan is also scheduled for review.

Capital Programme, Treasury Management, and Capital Strategies

The Cabinet will consider proposals for the Capital Programme Approvals, Treasury Management, and Capital Strategies for 2026-27. This agenda item covers the council's plans for capital investment, how it will manage its financial assets and liabilities, and its overall capital investment approach for the next financial year. Supporting documents include implications for the capital programme, details of the capital starts programme for 2026-27, and the planned maintenance programme for the same period. The Treasury Management Strategy and a Non-Treasury Investment Strategy for 2026-27 are also listed for discussion.

Budget Consultation Results

The results of the council's budget consultation process will be presented. This will provide an overview of the feedback received from residents and stakeholders regarding the council's financial plans and priorities.

Reserves Position and Reserves Policy

A review of the council's reserves position and its reserves policy is also scheduled. This will likely involve an assessment of the current level of reserves and the policy governing their use and management.

School Block Funding and Children's Services Admissions

The meeting will address School Block Funding for 2026-27, which relates to the funding allocated to schools. Additionally, the Children's Services Determined Admissions Arrangements will be discussed, outlining the procedures for determining school admissions.