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Weekly updates

Derbyshire: Police Deputy Appointment, SEND Funding Crisis & Pensions

This week in Derbyshire:

Police Deputy Appointment Faces Scrutiny Over Community Ties

The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel met on Thursday to conduct a confirmation hearing for Dr Fatima Eltinay, the proposed Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). You can find the full details of the meeting here. The panel was tasked with assessing Dr Eltinay's suitability for the role, focusing on her professional competence and personal independence.

  • Community Focus: Dr Eltinay's background in public health, safeguarding, and trauma-informed care was highlighted, along with her leadership as Chair of the Derbyshire Neighbourhood Watch Association Trust.
  • PCC's Rationale: Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Derbyshire, emphasized Dr Eltinay's ability to build trusted relationships with the police, local authorities, and community groups.
  • Panel's Role: The panel was responsible for reviewing the proposed appointment, questioning Dr Eltinay, and deciding whether to recommend her to the PCC.
  • Exclusion of Public: The panel excluded the public from a portion of the meeting to discuss the appointment in private, citing the need to protect exempt information.

The appointment of a Deputy PCC is a significant decision, as this individual will play a key role in shaping policing priorities and strategies across Derbyshire. The panel's scrutiny ensures that the appointee is qualified and independent, serving the best interests of the community.

Council Grapples with SEND Funding Crisis

Derbyshire County Council's cabinet is scheduled to meet on Thursday to address a critical issue: the growing deficit in funding for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). You can see the meeting details here. The cabinet will consider allocating funds for projects at Stubbin Wood School, Ashgate Croft Special School and Brackenfield Special School.

  • Significant Deficit: The council faces a substantial SEND Capital funding allocation for 2025-26 of £12,609,312.
  • Capital Projects: The cabinet will consider approving an additional £400,000 for the Stubbin Wood project, £2,802,000 for the Ashgate Croft Special School project, and £645,865 for phases 2 and 3 of the Brackenfield Special School expansion project.
  • School Management: The cabinet will also consider approving the transfer of funds directly to Stubbin Wood and Brackenfield Special Schools, via a legal agreement, to allow them to self-manage the projects.

The SEND funding crisis has a direct impact on children with special needs and their families, potentially leading to reduced support, longer waiting lists, and inadequate resources. The cabinet's decisions on funding allocations will be crucial in addressing these challenges and ensuring that children with SEND receive the education and support they need.

Pensions Committee Eyes Investment Strategy Amid Market Volatility

The Pensions and Investments Committee met to discuss the Derbyshire Pension Fund's investment strategy and stewardship activities. You can see the meeting details here. With investment assets totaling £6,791.5m as of May 31, 2025, the committee is navigating a complex and volatile market landscape.

  • Asset Allocation: The committee reviewed the fund's asset allocation, noting that it was overweight Protection Assets and Cash, and underweight Growth Assets and Income Assets.
  • External Advice: The committee considered recommendations from the Director of Finance and external advisors regarding the fund's investment strategy and asset allocation.
  • Risk Management: The committee discussed the Derbyshire Pension Fund Risk Register, identifying key risk items such as systems failure, insufficient assets to meet liabilities, and cybercrime attacks.
  • Ethical Considerations: The committee received an overview of stewardship activity undertaken by LGPS Central Limited and Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM), including engagement and voting activities.

The decisions made by the Pensions and Investments Committee have a direct impact on the financial security of current and future pensioners in Derbyshire. Prudent investment strategies and effective risk management are essential to ensure that the fund can meet its obligations and provide a stable retirement income for its members.

Other Matters

  • The Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss the Better Care Fund1, mental health services, and pharmaceutical needs. You can see the meeting details here. No video was provided.
  • The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel discussed drug dealing and substance misuse, and reviewed its composition to ensure it meets statutory balance requirements. You can see the meeting details here. No video was provided.
  • The Audit Committee discussed performance monitoring, governance, audit reports, and counter-fraud strategies. You can see the meeting details here. No video was provided.
  • The Regulatory - Planning Committee discussed a planning application for a new haul road at Grange Mill Quarry, and updates on current enforcement actions and appeals. You can see the meeting details here. No video was provided.
  • The Appointments and Conditions of Service Committee discussed revisions to employment policies, the ratification of a pay agreement, and a pay policy for teachers. You can see the meeting details here. No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

Here are the upcoming meetings in the next 7 days:

  • The Cabinet are scheduled to meet on Thursday 24 July 2025 to discuss treasury management, funding for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), tree planting, transport, and accommodation. You can see the meeting details here.
  • The Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - Places are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 23 July 2025 to discuss an overview of the Place Department, the highways function, and the proposed work programme for 2025-26. You can see the meeting details here.
  • The Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - Health are scheduled to meet on Monday 28 July 2025. You can see the meeting details here.

  1. The Better Care Fund was launched in 2014, and pooled existing health and social care budgets to encourage local areas to integrate their services. 

Derbyshire shake-up? Council debates local govt reorganisation

This week in Derbyshire:

Council Faces Tough Choices on Local Government Shake-Up

Derbyshire County Council met on Wednesday to grapple with the government's push for local government reorganisation, a move that could fundamentally reshape the way services are delivered across the county. You can find the full details of the meeting here. The council is being asked to replace the current two-tier system with unitary authorities1.

  • Divisive Options: Councillors debated four potential models, with a north-south split emerging as the preferred option. However, this proposal has sparked fierce opposition, particularly from residents in areas like Ashbourne, who fear being absorbed into a greater Derby area.
  • Rural Concerns: Councillor Nigel Gourlay voiced concerns that Ashbourne would be bundled into the new greater Derby area, and asked whether Councillor Alan Graves, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, had raised this option with the councillor for Dovedale and Ashbourne North before it was included in the paper. He also asked whether Councillor Alan Graves agreed that there were few residents of rural areas or market towns that would want to become part of this greater Derby area, and would he apologise to the residents of Ashbourne and withdraw that option from this consultation.
  • Turkeys Voting for Christmas: Councillor Amy Wheelton argued that the reorganisation would take the local out of local government and harm rural areas.
  • Council Tax Fears: Councillor Wayne Major warned that residents could see their council tax bills increase as rates level up to the highest in the area.
  • Efficiency Questioned: Councillor Alex Dale questioned why the council was dismissing a whole-county option, which he argued would be the most efficient model.
  • Labour Government Blamed: Councillor Sue Burfoot said that it's the Labour government that's got this wrong and that there isn't an option of a no to this.
  • Leader's Response: Councillor Alan Graves defended the proposals, stating that it was the previous Conservative government that started this and that Labour are just carrying it on. He said that it is the councillors' responsibility to make sure that residents engage in this process. He also said that he stood for Derbyshire and that being a Derby city councillor gives him an insight as to how they think.

The council ultimately agreed to undertake public engagement to gather views on the different options. This decision matters because the future structure of local government will directly impact the services residents receive, their access to local representatives, and the level of council tax they pay.

Council Faces Scrutiny Over Financial Performance

The council also reviewed its performance and budget monitoring for 2024-25, revealing a complex financial picture.

  • Underspend vs. Overspend: While the council reported a net underspend of £0.582 million, this figure doesn't account for requests to carry forward £3.319 million in commitments, which could result in a net overspend.
  • Social Care Pressures: Adult and children's social care services continue to face significant demand and cost pressures.
  • SEND Challenges: A SEND inspection in September 2024 highlighted the need for substantial improvements.
  • Conservative Criticism: Councillor Gez Kinsella said that it was a bit rich for the conservatives to take credit for balancing the books and that they had failed to fundamentally address some of the major problems of this council's finances.
  • Conservative Response: Councillor Alex Dale said that they were not out the woods yet and that the report makes clear there are very real challenges still within adult social care children's social care and SEND.
  • Community Transport Concerns: Councillor Ruth George asked Councillor John Lawson, Cabinet Member for Council Efficiency (DOGE), to look again at community transport because South Derbyshire Community Transport actually went bust because of the way that their contracts were administered by this council.

These financial challenges could lead to difficult decisions about service cuts or increased taxes, particularly impacting vulnerable residents who rely on council support.

Governance Committee to Review Council Operations

The Governance, Ethics and Standards Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss customer feedback, the role of the Chairman of the Council, and a report from the Chairman of the Governance, Ethics and Standards Committee. You can see the meeting details here. No video was provided.

Other Matters

  • The Council approved changes to committee memberships.

Upcoming Meetings

Here are the upcoming meetings in the next 7 days:

  • The Health and Wellbeing Board are scheduled to meet on 17 July 2025 to discuss a range of health and wellbeing issues in Derbyshire. You can see the meeting details here.
  • The Pensions and Investments Committee are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025 to review the fund's investments, stewardship activity and risk register, and to discuss the Local Government Pension Scheme access and fairness consultation. You can see the meeting details here.
  • The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday 17 July 2025, to discuss the annual report of the panel, drug dealing and substance misuse in Derbyshire, and to review its membership to ensure it meets statutory balance requirements. You can see the meeting details here.
  • The Audit Committee of Derbyshire County Council is scheduled to meet on 15 July 2025 to discuss performance monitoring, governance, audit reports, and counter-fraud strategies. You can see the meeting details here.
  • The Cabinet are scheduled to meet on Thursday 24 July 2025. You can see the meeting details here.
  • The Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - Places are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 23 July 2025. You can see the meeting details here.
  • The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday 17 July 2025 to hold a confirmation hearing regarding the proposed appointment of Dr Fatima Eltinay to the role of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Derbyshire. You can see the meeting details here.
  • The Regulatory - Planning Committee will be meeting on 14 July 2025 to discuss a number of planning applications and updates. You can see the meeting details here.
  • The Appointments and Conditions of Service Committee are scheduled to meet to discuss revisions to several employment policies, including those relating to fixed term contracts, secondments, and relocation expenses. You can see the meeting details here.


  1. Unitary authorities are local authorities that are responsible for all local government services within a single area. 

Derbyshire Faces Children's Services Budget Crisis & Council Review

This week in Derbyshire:

Children's Services Face Budget Pressures

Derbyshire County Council's cabinet met on July 3, 2025, and discussed significant financial challenges within Children's Services, including an overspend of £27.333m. The full agenda and reports are available here. This overspend is largely due to the high cost of agency residential and semi-independent living placements for children in care. The cabinet was asked to note the overspend and its impact on the Dedicated Schools Grant[^3] deficit, which now stands at £44.737m.

  • The council supported over 1,000 children in care with stable homes, but faces increasing demand for statutory assessments for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
  • A SEND inspection in September 2024 highlighted the need for substantial improvements in strategic partnerships and support for children with SEND.
  • The cabinet was asked to approve the transfer of Section 106[^1] funding directly to Morton Primary School and Ripley Infant School to self-manage projects, aiming to improve educational facilities.

The financial strain on Children's Services could lead to reduced resources for preventative services and increased pressure on frontline staff, potentially affecting the quality of care for vulnerable children.

Council Operating Model Under Review to Cut Costs

The cabinet also discussed an external review of the council's operating model, aiming to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The review, conducted by PwC, identified potential savings of £45.9m per annum.

  • The council faces significant financial pressures and higher operating costs compared to similar councils.
  • The review highlighted seven key areas for improvement, including customer journey transformation, adult social care and health, and children's services.
  • The cabinet was asked to agree to a plan in Autumn 2025, outlining the costs, benefits, and timeframe for implementing the PwC recommendations.

These changes could impact council services and staffing levels, with potential implications for residents who rely on council support.

Streamlining Project Delivery Through External Frameworks

To address a backlog in project delivery due to staff shortages and increased government funding, the cabinet considered using external professional consultancy and construction frameworks.

  • The council aims to utilize frameworks like the Midlands Highway Alliance Plus Professional Services Partnership (MHA+ PSP) and Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO) to commission providers.
  • The establishment of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA)[^2] is expected to bring significant investment in highways, necessitating efficient project delivery.
  • The cabinet was asked to approve the use of non-Derbyshire County Council frameworks and delegate contract awards to the Executive Director - Place.

This decision could speed up infrastructure projects and improve services, but it also raises questions about local control and accountability in project management.

Other Matters

  • The cabinet reviewed the council's performance against its Council Plan priorities, noting that 27% of strategic objectives were complete and 43% showed good progress.
  • The agenda included a motion to exclude the public from part of the meeting to discuss confidential information related to street lighting.

Upcoming Meetings

Here are the upcoming meetings in the next 7 days:

Derbyshire Business Boost? EMCCA Collaboration Discussed

This week in Derbyshire:

Business Start-Up Scheme Could Get a Boost

The D2 Strategic Leadership Board met to discuss several key initiatives, including a potential extension to the Derbyshire Business Start-Up Scheme. You can read the full agenda and related documents here.

  • The board considered a request for an additional £0.150m from the Retained Business Rates pot to continue the grant element of the scheme, alongside UK Shared Prosperity Fund monies, for the financial year 2025/26.
  • Launched in July 2021 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the scheme has already supported over 1,100 businesses and individuals.
  • An evaluation report highlighted impressive outcomes:
    • 372 of 484 pre-start beneficiaries created new businesses, with a 90% survival rate.
    • 605 of 621 early-stage beneficiaries are still trading, a 97.4% survival rate.
    • The businesses established by the programme beneficiaries are estimated to have created 1369 jobs, forecast to increase to 1975 by 2031.
    • These businesses generated £130m turnover, equating to a gross GVA of £45 million, forecasted to be £47m by 2031.

If approved, this additional funding could provide a vital lifeline for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses, potentially leading to further job creation and economic growth across Derbyshire.

Derbyshire Councils to Collaborate with the East Midlands Combined County Authority

The Strategic Leadership Board also discussed how Derbyshire councils will work together with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

  • The board was scheduled to make nominations for non-constituent members to various EMCCA committees, including Transport & Digital Connectivity, Skills and Employment, Investment, Housing, Land and Planning, Overview and Scrutiny, and Audit and Governance.
  • The board was scheduled to receive an update on the EMCCA Community Development Fund (CDF), a £3m fund aimed at building community capacity and resilience over three years. The fund will support locally based providers working with targeted communities, offering training, practical support, and small capital grants.
  • The board was scheduled to receive an update on the Inward Investment service, which secured £125k from the EMCCA to attract new key sector companies to Derbyshire and support investment.

These discussions highlight the ongoing collaboration between Derbyshire councils and the EMCCA to drive economic development and improve services across the region.

Other Matters

  • The Strategic Leadership Board considered revisions to its terms of reference and a change in hosting arrangements, with South Derbyshire District Council potentially taking over from Derbyshire County Council as the host authority.
  • The Pensions and Investments Committee met, but no video was provided. You can see the meeting details here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here are the upcoming meetings in the next 7 days:

Derbyshire council to debate planning changes and 79,920 homes

This week in Derbyshire:

  • The Council meeting was scheduled to include discussion of the National Planning Policy Framework and a motion expressing concern about threats to Derbyshire's countryside.

Council - Wednesday 21 May 2025

The Derbyshire County Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 21 May 2025. Councillors will appoint a chair, a civic chair and a vice civic chair, as well as a leader of the council for a four-year term. They will also discuss the leader's report, committee memberships, portfolio holders, and elected member questions, as well as consider any petitions and notices of motion.

National Planning Policy Framework

The council is scheduled to consider a motion expressing significant concern [regarding] the growing threats to the unique character of Derbyshire and its treasured countryside arising from the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The motion states that the changes:

  • Allow central government to set arbitrary, top-down housing delivery numbers for each local authority, mandating a mandatory annual housing delivery target for Derbyshire of at least 79,920 new homes over the next 20 years - a 58% increase from the advisory method – while reducing targets for nearby cities, like Derby and Sheffield, by 20% or more.
  • Place emphasis on meeting unmet development needs from neighbouring areas.
  • Remove protections on the Green Belt through the new Grey Belt and other override designations.
  • Remove the opportunity for communities to comment on individual planning applications by removing the ability to challenge a planning application once it is in a Local Plan and deciding whole new towns by an unspecified ‘panel’.

The motion also expresses concern regarding the potential impacts of National Grid's proposal to install a new 400 kV overhead electricity line of pylons between Chesterfield and Willington. It notes the significant objections of local communities and residents’ concerns over these proposals, as well as significant concerns over the impact the indicative route would have on listed buildings, valued landscape areas, and the rural character of our countryside – both during and after construction.

The council will consider whether to agree to:

  • Write to the prime minister requesting an urgent review of the impact of the government’s planning changes on Derbyshire.
  • Write to the deputy prime minister asking her to amend planning policies around infrastructure upgrades so that the first priority is incorporating them into the landscape as inconspicuously as possible.
  • Continue to pursue additional planning protections for Derbyshire's countryside.
  • Continue to work with companies such as National Grid to highlight the impact of their proposals.

The report pack includes a summary of Derbyshire County Council’s Spatial Energy Strategy and Approach to Green Energy, which aims to balance renewable energy development with environmental and land-use considerations. The strategy focuses on:

  1. Maximising rooftop solar potential on industrial, commercial, and public rooftops.
  2. Directing ground-mounted solar projects towards low-grade agricultural land, brownfield sites1, and reclaimed industrial areas.
  3. Protecting high-grade farmland wherever possible.
  4. Supporting a green economy and energy resilience.

Elected Member Questions

Elected members have submitted questions on a range of topics, including:

  • Councillor Nigel Gourlay's questions about the council’s plan to fix potholes and the new administration’s plans for Derbyshire County Council’s 44 libraries.
  • Councillor Wayne Major's questions on the council’s new flag policy and how the cabinet member plans to promote British values in schools.
  • Councillor Ed Fordham's questions regarding special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), suicide prevention measures on footbridges in Chesterfield, and highways repairs.
  • Councillor Alex Dale's questions about the new administration’s approach to the Members Community Leadership Scheme and investing in SEND provision.
  • Councillor Angelique Foster's question on how Reform plans to continue the work done by Derbyshire County Council to make roads safer.
  • Councillor Ruth George's questions on the assessment of needs for additional places in primary and secondary schools, the proportion of applications for needs assessments for children with additional needs that were accepted in 2024, and the planned resurfacing work on Station Road and Chapel Road in Furness Vale and Whaley Bridge respectively.

The report pack includes the full list of questions submitted by elected members.

Other Matters

The council will also consider the appointment of the Chairman of the County Council for 2025-26, the Civic Chairman, and the Vice Civic Chairman. The Leader of the Council will present a report, and members will have the opportunity to ask questions.


  1. Brownfield sites are previously developed land that may be contaminated. 

Recent meetings
Cabinet

Cabinet - Thursday, 24 July 2025 12.00 pm

The Derbyshire County Council Cabinet was scheduled to discuss a range of topics, including treasury management, funding for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), a tree planting grant, transport funding, and new hub accommodation. Councillors were also expected to discuss and approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Some items, relating to the Buxton Crescent Hotel and supply/installation of street lighting, were scheduled to be discussed in private due to their commercially sensitive nature.

July 24, 2025
Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - Places

Place Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 23 July 2025 10.30 am

The Place Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss an overview of the Place Department and the Highways function, as well as the proposed work programme for 2025-26. Public questions were also scheduled to be taken.

July 23, 2025
Health and Wellbeing Board

Health and Wellbeing Board - Thursday, 17 July 2025 3.00 pm

The Derbyshire Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled to meet on 17 July 2025 to discuss a number of health and wellbeing issues in Derbyshire. These included the Better Care Fund, mental health services, and a pharmaceutical needs assessment. The board was also scheduled to receive updates from the Health Protection Board and the Integrated Care Partnership.

July 17, 2025
Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel

Confirmation Hearing, Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel - Thursday, 17 July 2025, NEW

The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel met on Thursday 17 July 2025 to conduct a confirmation hearing for the proposed appointment of Dr Fatima Eltinay to the role of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Derbyshire. The panel was scheduled to review the proposed appointment, question Dr Eltinay, and then decide whether to recommend her appointment to the Police and Crime Commissioner for Derbyshire, Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts. Following the hearing, panel members were scheduled to hold a private session to discuss the appointment and agree on their decision and recommendations to Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts.

July 17, 2025
Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel

Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel - Thursday, 17 July 2025 10.00 am

The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel met to discuss the annual report of the panel, the balanced appointment objective, and drug dealing and substance misuse. The panel was also scheduled to receive announcements from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and an update on forthcoming events.

July 17, 2025
Pensions and Investments Committee

Pensions and Investments Committee - Wednesday, 16 July 2025 10.30 am

Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the Pensions and Investments Committee meeting.

July 16, 2025
Audit Committee

Audit Committee - Tuesday, 15 July 2025 2.00 pm

The Audit Committee of Derbyshire County Council was scheduled to convene on 15 July 2025, to discuss a range of topics including performance monitoring, governance, audit reports, and counter-fraud strategies. The meeting was also scheduled to include a review of the council's financial performance and risk management.

July 15, 2025
Regulatory - Planning Committee

Regulatory - Planning Committee - Monday, 14 July 2025 1.00 pm

The Regulatory - Planning Committee was scheduled to meet on 14 July 2025 to discuss a planning application for a new haul road at Grange Mill Quarry, as well as updates on current enforcement actions, appeals, and matters determined under delegated powers.

July 14, 2025
Appointments and Conditions of Service Committee

Appointments and Conditions of Service Committee - Monday, 14 July 2025 3.00 pm

The Appointments and Conditions of Service Committee were scheduled to meet on 14 July 2025 to discuss revisions to several employment policies, the ratification of a pay agreement, and a pay policy for teachers. The meeting was set to cover revisions to the fixed term contracts policy and secondment policy, as well as a new relocation procedure. Also on the agenda was the ratification of the Soulbury pay agreement and a pay policy for teachers employed by the local authority but not attached to schools.

July 14, 2025
Governance, Ethics and Standards Committee

Governance, Ethics and Standards Committee - Thursday, 10 July 2025 2.00 pm

The Governance, Ethics and Standards Committee of Derbyshire Council scheduled a meeting to discuss customer feedback, the role of the Chairman of the Council, and a report from the Chairman of the Governance, Ethics and Standards Committee.

July 10, 2025
Upcoming meetings
Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - Health

Health Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 28 July 2025 10.30 am

July 28, 2025