The Cabinet of Derbyshire County Council met on Thursday, 12 March 2026, to discuss a range of important issues, including community safety, funding for employment programmes, care home fees, and the council's first biodiversity report. The meeting also covered proposals for flood risk management schemes, the closure of a local early excellence centre, the establishment of enhanced resource provision for children with special educational needs, and school funding settlements.

Derbyshire Community Safety Agreement: Refresh 2025-2028

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the refreshed Derbyshire Community Safety Agreement for 2025-2028. This agreement, which is an annual update, aims to highlight changes in legislation and the restructuring of community safety partnership governance. The report outlined the statutory framework for community safety partnerships, established by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, which brings together key local agencies to address community safety issues. It detailed the eight Community Safety Partnerships within Derbyshire and the strategic leadership provided by the Derbyshire Safer Communities Board. The agreement reflects national and local priorities and takes into account legislative changes impacting community safety and criminal justice. The report noted that a review of community safety governance structures was underway with the aim of increasing accountability and strengthening support for partnerships. The Cabinet was asked to refer the refreshed agreement to the Council for formal approval.

Funding from EMCCA to provide and deliver the Connect to Work Programme

A report was presented regarding the acceptance of grant funding from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to deliver part of Derbyshire's Connect to Work Programme. The programme aims to tackle 'hidden unemployment' and reduce economic inactivity, particularly among people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, and other complex barriers to employment. Derbyshire County Council was proposed to deliver the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) strand of the programme, with grant funding of up to £3.732m available until March 2030. This funding would complement existing supported employment programmes delivered by the Council, such as the Disability Employment Service and Disability Employer Engagement Derbyshire. The report highlighted the benefits of delivering the programme in-house, including embedding employment support within Adult Care pathways and leveraging existing partnerships.

Care Home Fee Proposals 2026-27

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider proposals for care home fees for the financial year 2026-27. The report recommended an increase of 3.8% to the base rate paid to independent sector residential and nursing care homes. It also proposed an inflationary payment of up to 3.8% for fully funded specialist care home placements and day care placements where providers can evidence inflationary pressures. Rates for in-house day care and residential care were proposed to increase by 3.4%. The report detailed the statutory considerations, including the Care Act 2014's duty to promote an efficient and effective market for care services, and the Public Sector Equality Duty. It outlined the engagement with the Derbyshire Care Providers Association to understand business pressures and costs, and detailed the proposed fee model, taking into account the increase in the National Living Wage and changes introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2026. The report also addressed workforce challenges, the Derbyshire care home market, and the Council's budgetary position.

Home Care and Day Care Fee Review 2026-27

This report focused on proposed inflationary increases to fee rates for home care and day care services for 2026-27. It recommended an average increase of 3.7% for independent sector home care fee rates and a 3.7% increase for in-house home care and extra care provision. An increase of up to 3.7% was also proposed for specialist home care where providers can evidence inflationary pressures. The report detailed the statutory responsibilities under the Care Act 2014 to ensure a sustainable adult social care market and outlined engagement with the Derbyshire Home Care Association. It addressed cost pressures highlighted by providers, including the National Living Wage increase and the Derbyshire Home Care Association's request for a 'legal floor' for home care provision. The report analysed the Derbyshire home care market, noting improvements in capacity and diversity following the implementation of a new framework agreement in April 2024.

Derbyshire County Council First Biodiversity Report

The Cabinet was asked to consider and approve Derbyshire County Council's first Biodiversity Report for publication by 26 March 2026, as required by the Environment Act 2021. This report details the actions taken by the Council to conserve and enhance biodiversity between 1 January 2023 and 1 January 2026, and outlines plans for the next reporting period. The report highlighted the strengthened Biodiversity Duty placed on public authorities to consider and deliver policies and actions to conserve and enhance biodiversity, contributing to national goals such as halting species decline and protecting land for nature's recovery. It outlined the Council's policies and objectives, including the Environmental Sustainability Policy and Strategy, the Council Plan, and Derbyshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy. The report also detailed actions taken, such as managing countryside sites, delivering greenways, developing the Heartwood Community Forest, and implementing the Derbyshire Road Verges Policy. Information on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) obligations as a Local Planning Authority was also included.

Approval of the Addition of Two Flood Risk Management Schemes into the Highways Capital Programme 2026-27

The Cabinet was asked to approve the addition of two Flood Risk Management schemes to the Highways Capital Programme for 2026-27. The first scheme, Matlock Property Flood Resilience, aims to protect seven frequently flooded properties on Mettesford and Lilybank Close in Matlock, with a budget of £0.084m sourced externally. The second scheme, Ockbrook, Draycott, Breaston Natural Flood Management, aims to reduce the risk of flooding to potentially 75 properties and a section of the Midland Mainline over three years, with a budget of £0.700m sourced externally. The report outlined alternative options, including doing nothing or a minimal approach, and recommended proceeding with the proposed schemes to mitigate flood risk to residents.

Proposal to close Gamesley Early Excellence Centre

A report was presented on the outcome of the statutory proposal to close Gamesley Early Excellence Centre. The report noted that the staff and children of the nursery had relocated to Gamesley Primary School in Summer 2023, operating side-by-side with shared leadership. Gamesley Primary School had also successfully applied to extend its age range to formally undertake the provision if the centre closed, ensuring continuous service provision and potential financial sustainability and inclusivity through integration into the Academy Trust. A four-week representation period had commenced, during which no responses were received. The Headteacher reported that parents and carers were supportive of the change. The Cabinet was asked to approve the discontinuance (closure) of Gamesley Early Excellence Centre with effect from 31 August 2026.

Report on outcome of Proposal by the Local Authority for the establishment of an Enhanced Resource Provision and SEN and Disabilities Unit at Whitfield St James CE (VC) Primary School

The Cabinet was to receive a report on the outcome of the statutory consultation regarding the establishment of an Enhanced Resource School Provision and a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Unit at Whitfield St James' CE (VC) Primary School. The school was already informally running these provisions for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The proposal sought formal designation to reflect the existing practice. Three responses were received during the public consultation period, all of which were in support of the creation of the Enhanced Resource School (ERS) and SEND Unit. The designation would provide specialist support within a mainstream setting, improving access to tailored provision and supporting better educational, social, and developmental outcomes for children.

Central Schools Services Block Funding Settlement 2026-27

This report informed Cabinet of the decisions made by the Schools Forum regarding the allocation of the Central Schools Service Block (CSSB) for 2026-27. The CSSB provides funding for local authorities to carry out central functions on behalf of maintained schools and academies. The report detailed the grant allocation for Derbyshire, noting an increase in funding for 2026-27 due to the amalgamation of previous grants, despite a decrease in pupil numbers. It also highlighted a reduction in funding for historic commitments, which contribute to the Early Help offer. The report detailed the significant accumulated Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit, primarily due to pressures in the High Needs Block, and the impact on the Council's cash flow. The announcement of government reimbursement for 90% of DSG deficits was noted, contingent on a comprehensive SEND improvement plan. The proposed CSSB spend for 2026-27, as approved by the Schools Forum, was presented.

Early Years Block Funding Settlement 2026-27

Cabinet was to be informed of the Early Years settlement of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and related Schools Forum decisions, and to seek approval for the Early Years funding formula for 2026-27. The report detailed the early years funding rates for 2026-27, including allocations for universal and additional hours for 3 and 4-year-olds, and funding for 2-year-olds and under 2s. It noted changes to the census data used for calculations and the introduction of a contingency to mitigate potential shortfalls. The report outlined the proposed Early Years Single Funding Formula (EYSFF) for 2026-27, including basic hourly rates, deprivation multipliers, and supplements for nursery schools and Private, Voluntary, and Independent (PVI) settings. The expansion of early years entitlements from April 2024 was also updated.

High Needs Block Funding Settlement 2026-27

This report informed Cabinet of the High Needs Block settlement of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and sought approval for its allocation for 2026-27. The High Needs Block supports provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) from ages 0 to 25, and Alternative Provision (AP). Derbyshire's allocation was set to increase, but this was primarily due to the amalgamation of previous grants, representing a standstill cash position with no additional funding for demand factors. The report highlighted current spending levels, showing a significant forecast overspend for 2025-26, continued growth in EHCP numbers, and the accumulated DSG deficit. The announcement of government reimbursement for 90% of DSG deficits was noted, contingent on a SEND improvement plan. Proposed allocations for special schools, Enhanced Resource (ER) schools, AP centres, and FE Colleges were detailed, along with proposed top-up budgets. The report summarised the implications of these allocations, indicating an in-year deficit budget and a cumulative DSG deficit by the end of the 2026-27 financial year.

Performance Monitoring and Budget Monitoring/Forecast Outturn 2025-26 as at Quarter 3 (31 December 2025)

This report provided Cabinet with an update on Council Plan performance and the Revenue Budget/forecast outturn for 2025-26 as at 31 December 2025. The Council was forecasting a net overspend of £0.505m against the Revenue Budget, an improvement from the previous quarter. Savings delivery was reported to be on track, but continuing demand and cost pressures in Children's and Adults' Social Care services were contributing to forecast expenditure exceeding the budget. The report detailed key achievements across all service areas, including progress in foster carer recruitment, reduction in social worker caseloads, expansion of SEND placements, and improvements in road maintenance and active travel infrastructure. It also highlighted key challenges, particularly concerning the SEND assessment backlog and sufficiency of children's placements. The report provided a detailed breakdown of the financial performance by portfolio area, including significant forecast overspends in Children's Services and Adult Social Care, offset by underspends in Corporate Budgets. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) position was also detailed, showing a significant accumulated deficit. The report sought approval for a virement of £2.828m from Corporate Services and Transformation to Adult Social Care and Health, and adoption of the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy.