This week in Derbyshire:

Council Faces Scrutiny Over Environmental Strategy and Planning Service

The Place Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 25 February 2026 to discuss the development of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy for 2026-2030 and receive an update on the Planning Service. These discussions are vital for shaping Derbyshire's response to climate change and ensuring responsible development. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

A Greener Future: The Environmental Sustainability Strategy

The committee was briefed on the upcoming Environmental Sustainability Strategy, which aims to build on the success of the previous Climate Change Strategy. This new strategy will provide a broader framework for environmental, economic, and social benefits, including improved health and reduced fuel poverty. A key focus will be meeting the Council's strengthened duties under the Environment Act 2021, which includes a duty to conserve and enhance biodiversity.

The strategy is structured around eight priority areas:

• Conserving and enhancing Derbyshire's natural environment.
• Efficient use of resources like fuel, energy, and water.
• Promoting clean energy generation and use.
• Improving air quality.
• Encouraging a circular economy and responsible resource use.
• Building resilience to extreme weather.
• Improving local travel options.
• Strengthening people's connection with nature.

This strategy is designed to be a high-level, accessible framework, developed with consideration for the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation.

Planning for Growth: An Update on the Planning Service

The committee also received an update on the Planning Service, which handles 'county matters' applications, primarily related to minerals, waste, education, and transport. The service does not deal with householder or commercial planning applications. The update covered the Council's Local Plans for minerals and waste, and the Development Management function, which aims to determine major applications within 13 weeks and minor applications within 8 weeks.

A significant point of discussion was the draft revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The proposed changes could lead to local plans carrying less weight if they conflict with national policies and may encourage a more permissive approach to releasing Green Belt land for housing. This could have a substantial impact on development across Derbyshire.

Council's Talent Strategy and Local Government Reorganisation on the Agenda

The Resources Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 26 February 2026 to discuss the council's Talent Strategy, with a particular focus on apprenticeships, and to receive an update on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in the Derby and Derbyshire area. These discussions are crucial for ensuring the council has a skilled workforce and is prepared for future structural changes. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Investing in Skills: The Talent Strategy and Apprenticeships

The committee reviewed the development of the council's Talent Strategy, highlighting ongoing efforts to create apprenticeship opportunities. Recruitment is underway for various roles, and videos featuring current apprentices have been produced to promote these opportunities. The council is also planning to support the launch of an AI Skills Learning Pathway and an AI apprenticeship cohort. Furthermore, an additional enrolment window for leadership apprenticeships has been created, with seventeen leaders set to begin their training.

The council is also managing its Growth & Skills Levy, with over £2.2 million spent to date. This investment in apprenticeships is vital for developing a skilled workforce and providing pathways for residents into meaningful employment.

Preparing for Change: Local Government Reorganisation

The committee received an update on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in the Derby and Derbyshire area. This follows previous briefings on the national context and the council's proposals. LGR is a key priority for the council, and the committee's role is to provide views and advice as decisions affecting council resources are made. The presentation covered general LGR developments, specific updates for Derby and Derbyshire, an updated timeline, and the council's approach to the current government consultation.

Audit Committee Reviews Financial Statements and Auditor Reports

The Audit Committee met on Tuesday 24 February 2026 to review the Statement of Accounts for 2024-25 and the External Auditor's reports. This oversight is critical for ensuring financial accountability and the proper use of public funds. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Financial Performance and Reserves

The committee reviewed the council's financial performance for 2024-25, which showed an overall underspend of £0.287m after utilising £18.879m from reserves. However, significant overspends were noted in Adult Care and Children's Services, contrasted with underspends in other areas. The report detailed the council's reserves, which stood at £39.566m at 31 March 2025. It also highlighted budget pressures within Children's Social Care, the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit, and Adult Social Care.

External Audit Findings and Disclaimers

The external auditor, Forvis Mazars LLP, provided reports that highlighted significant weaknesses in financial sustainability and governance. A key finding was a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. This was due to the inability to obtain sufficient audit evidence before the statutory deadline, attributed to late publication of draft accounts and issues with prior period adjustments related to property valuations. The report also noted deficiencies in internal controls, including IT access and the lack of annual declarations of interest for members.

Upcoming Meetings

Here are the upcoming meetings in the next 7 days:

• The Pensions and Investments Committee are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 04 March 2026 to discuss investment performance, strategy, and treasury management. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Governance, Ethics and Standards Committee are scheduled to meet on Thursday 05 March 2026 to review the Independent Remuneration Panel's annual report and discuss councillor conduct. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Cabinet are scheduled to meet on Thursday 12 March 2026. You can see the meeting details here.

This week in Derbyshire:

Highways Programme Under Scrutiny: Will Roads Be Fixed or Just Patchy?

The Derbyshire County Council Cabinet met on Thursday 19 February 2026 to discuss the delivery of the Highways Capital Programme, a multi-million-pound investment in our roads. The meeting also considered urgent patching works and potential increases to contract values. These decisions are vital for ensuring safe travel for all residents, particularly those who rely on public transport or have mobility issues. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Millions for Roads: What's the Plan?

The Cabinet received an update on the 2025-26 Highways Capital Programme, which is funded by over £41 million from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and central government grants. This programme is meant to cover essential maintenance and transport schemes, including footway resurfacing, minor carriageway repairs, and improvements to cycle routes.

However, the report also flagged potential increases to contract values and the need for urgent carriageway patching works before surface dressing can begin. This raises questions about the initial planning and budgeting for these crucial repairs. For residents, this could mean the difference between long-lasting road improvements and temporary fixes that quickly deteriorate, leading to continued disruption and potential safety hazards.

The council has a statutory duty under the Highways Act 1980 to maintain highways in a safe condition. The Traffic Management Act 2004 also requires advance notice of highway schemes. The decisions made by the Cabinet will directly impact how well the council fulfils these obligations.

Public Reaction and Potential Outcomes

While the full details of the discussions on contract value increases and urgent patching works were not publicly available, any significant cost overruns or delays could lead to public frustration. Residents often express concern about the state of local roads, and timely, effective repairs are a key measure of council performance.

The Cabinet was also asked to approve additions to the Place Department Commercial Pipeline, which outlines future procurement intentions. This is a requirement of the Public Procurement Act 2023, ensuring transparency in how public money is spent.

Staffing Matters: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

The Staffing Panel met on Tuesday 17 February 2026. While the summary of this meeting is not publicly available, staffing decisions are fundamental to how the council operates and delivers services. These panels often discuss matters related to employee terms and conditions, recruitment, and workforce planning.

Changes in staffing policies or structures can have a ripple effect on service delivery. For example, decisions about recruitment targets or the management of staff absence can impact the availability of frontline services, from social care workers to refuse collectors. Ensuring the council has the right staff, with the right skills, is crucial for meeting the needs of all residents, especially the most vulnerable.

Other Matters

Environmental Strategy and Planning Service on the Horizon

Looking ahead, the Place Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 25 February 2026. A key item on their agenda is the development of the council's Environmental Sustainability Strategy for 2026-2030. This strategy will build on previous efforts to achieve net-zero emissions and will focus on areas like biodiversity, clean energy, and air quality. The committee will also receive an update on the Planning Service, including how it handles 'county matters' applications and the implications of proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). You can see the meeting details here.

Talent and Reorganisation on the Agenda for Resources Scrutiny

The Resources Scrutiny Committee will meet on Thursday 26 February 2026. Their agenda includes an update on the council's Talent Strategy, with a particular focus on apprenticeships and the use of the Apprenticeship Levy. They will also receive an update on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in the Derby and Derbyshire area. These discussions are important for ensuring the council has a skilled workforce and is prepared for any structural changes. You can see the meeting details here.

Audit Committee to Review Financial Statements

The Audit Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 24 February 2026. They will review the council's Statement of Accounts for the 2024-25 financial year and consider reports from the external auditor. This oversight is critical for ensuring financial accountability and the proper use of public funds. You can see the meeting details here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here are the upcoming meetings in the next 7 days:

• The Audit Committee are scheduled to meet on Tuesday 24 February 2026 to review the council's financial statements and external auditor reports. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Place Scrutiny Committee are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 25 February 2026 to discuss the Environmental Sustainability Strategy and receive an update on the Planning Service. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Resources Scrutiny Committee are scheduled to meet on Thursday 26 February 2026 to discuss the Talent Strategy and Local Government Reorganisation. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Pensions and Investments Committee are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 04 March 2026. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Governance, Ethics and Standards Committee are scheduled to meet on Thursday 05 March 2026. You can see the meeting details here.

This week in Derbyshire:

Council Faces Crucial Budget Decisions: Balancing Services and Council Tax

The Derbyshire County Council met on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, to make critical decisions that will shape the council's financial future and the services available to residents. The agenda was packed, with a significant focus on the Revenue Budget for 2026-27, the Capital Programme, and the council's reserves policy. These decisions are vital, especially for vulnerable groups who rely heavily on council services. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Navigating Financial Pressures: The Budget Dilemma

Derbyshire County Council is facing substantial financial pressures, driven by rising costs and increasing demand for services, particularly in Children's Social Care and Adult Social Care. The Revenue Budget Report for 2026-27 outlines these challenges, including proposed savings across departments and a limited use of reserves to address immediate needs.

To bridge the projected budget gap, the council was set to consider a Council Tax increase. This is a difficult decision, as any rise in Council Tax places an additional financial burden on households, which can disproportionately affect low-income families and those on fixed incomes. The report acknowledges the challenging financial situation and the reliance on the successful delivery of proposed savings for future financial sustainability.

Investing in the Future: Capital Programme and Treasury Management

Beyond the day-to-day budget, the council was also set to approve the Capital Programme, Treasury Management, and Capital Strategies for 2026-27. This involves planning for significant investments in infrastructure and assets, such as roads, schools, and public buildings. These decisions directly impact the quality of life for residents and the council's ability to provide essential services in the long term. The approval of new borrowing for projects and the detailed Planned Asset Maintenance Programme are key components of this strategy.

Resident Voices in Budget Planning

The meeting also included a review of the Budget Consultation Results. The council engaged with residents to understand their priorities and concerns regarding the budget. Feedback indicated strong support for working with other councils to deliver services jointly, while increasing Council Tax was the least supported option. This input is crucial for ensuring that the council's financial plans reflect the needs and priorities of the community it serves.

Derbyshire Pension Board: Ensuring Sound Governance

The Derbyshire Pension Board plays a crucial role in overseeing the Derbyshire Pension Fund. The council was asked to approve the reappointment of Susan Ambler as an Employer Representative. Mrs. Ambler, the Chief Financial Officer at the University of Derby, is recommended for reappointment to ensure continued strong employer representation on the board, which is vital for the responsible management of the fund.

Notices of Motion: Addressing Key Resident Concerns

Several notices of motion were on the agenda, reflecting pressing issues for residents:

• Annual Road Condition Report & Forward Works Plan: This motion called for greater transparency and public access to information about road conditions and planned repair works.
• Asylum Hotels in Derbyshire: This motion highlighted concerns about the presence of asylum hotels in the county and urged action from local MPs.

Other Matters

Changes to Committee Memberships and Constitution

A minor administrative change was proposed concerning the Trading Standards Service, updating the list of legislation under which the service can take enforcement action. This ensures the council's constitution remains accurate and current.

Upcoming Meetings

Here are the upcoming meetings in the next 7 days:

• The Staffing Panel are scheduled to meet on Tuesday 17 February 2026. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Cabinet are scheduled to meet on Thursday 19 February 2026 to discuss the Highways Capital Programme and procurement for urgent carriageway patching works. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Audit Committee are scheduled to meet on Tuesday 24 February 2026. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Place Scrutiny Committee are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 25 February 2026. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Resources Scrutiny Committee are scheduled to meet on Thursday 26 February 2026. You can see the meeting details here.

This week in Derbyshire:

Safeguarding Children and Adults: A Constant Vigilance

The People Scrutiny Committee met on Friday 6 February 2026 to review the vital work being done to protect vulnerable residents. The committee examined the Derbyshire Safeguarding Adults Board's Annual Report, a consultation on adult community education, and proposed changes to the Home to School Transport Policy. These discussions are crucial for ensuring that the most vulnerable in our communities receive the support and protection they need. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Safeguarding Adults: Progress and Challenges

The Derbyshire Safeguarding Adults Board's Annual Report for 2024-2025 highlighted the board's commitment to preventing harm and abuse. Key achievements include the publication of two Safeguarding Adult Reviews, which learn from past cases to improve future practice. The report also noted an 11% increase in safeguarding referrals, indicating a greater awareness and reporting of concerns. However, the board's vision to enable individuals to make choices to stay safe and live free from harm, abuse, and exploitation relies on the continued effectiveness of its partners, including Derbyshire County Council Adult Social Care, Derbyshire Police, and the Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board (ICB).

Adult Community Education: Shaping Future Learning

A significant part of the discussion focused on the future of adult community education. The council is exploring different models for delivering these services, aiming to ensure they are responsive and inclusive, especially for disadvantaged communities. Options range from direct council provision to commissioning external providers. This is important because accessible adult education can unlock opportunities for employment, personal development, and social inclusion, particularly for those who may have faced barriers to learning in the past. The consultation period for this initiative ran until 22 February 2026.

Home to School Transport: Ensuring Fair Access

The committee also reviewed proposed changes to the Home to School Transport Policy. This policy is essential for thousands of children, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and from low-income families. The proposed changes aim to modernise the policy and ensure it remains fair and legally compliant. However, any adjustments to eligibility criteria or the introduction of new pick-up points could have a significant impact on families who rely on this transport. The council is committed to supporting independence and ensuring that transport policies do not create undue hardship for vulnerable residents.

Council Gears Up for Budget Decisions: A Balancing Act for Services

The Council is set to meet on Wednesday 11 February 2026 to make critical decisions about the upcoming financial year. The agenda includes the revenue budget, capital programme, and the council's reserves policy. These decisions will directly shape the services available to residents and the council's ability to respond to future challenges. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Navigating Financial Pressures

Derbyshire County Council faces significant financial pressures, including inflation and rising demand for services, particularly in Children's Social Care and Adult Social Care. The council is projecting a substantial budget gap for the 2026-27 financial year. To address this, the council is proposing a 4.99% Council Tax increase, with a 2% precept specifically for Adult Social Care. This rise, alongside proposed savings across departments, highlights the difficult choices the council must make to balance its budget.

Resident Input on Budget Priorities

The council has engaged in budget consultations to understand residents' priorities. Feedback from these consultations will inform the final budget decisions. While joint service delivery with other councils was the most supported option for saving money, increasing Council Tax was the least popular. This feedback is vital for ensuring that the council's financial plans reflect the needs and concerns of the community it serves.

Investing in the Future: Capital Programme and Treasury Management

The meeting will also approve the Capital Programme, Treasury Management, and Capital Strategies for 2026-27. This involves planning for significant investments in infrastructure and assets, which directly impacts the services and facilities available to the community. The council is also considering its reserves policy, ensuring that funds are available for unforeseen circumstances while maintaining long-term financial stability.

Upcoming Meetings

Here are the upcoming meetings in the next 7 days:

• The Council are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 11 February 2026 to discuss the revenue budget, capital programme, and reserves. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel are scheduled to meet on Thursday 12 February 2026. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Cabinet are scheduled to meet on Thursday 19 February 2026. You can see the meeting details here.