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.

This week in Derbyshire:

Young People and Vaping: A Growing Concern for Health and Wellbeing

The Derbyshire Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 29 January 2026 to tackle a pressing issue: the rising prevalence of vaping among young people. This discussion is crucial because nicotine addiction in young people can have long-term impacts on their health and educational attainment. The board heard that national estimates suggest around 3,000 pupils in Derbyshire vape regularly, a figure that underscores the need for urgent local action. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Vape Free Schools Pilot and New Support Services

While vapes can be a tool for adults to quit smoking, they are not risk-free for young people. To combat this, a vape free schools pilot has been launched in 21 secondary schools across the county. Furthermore, the council is commissioning a new cessation service specifically for young people who smoke or vape. These initiatives aim to provide young people with the support they need to avoid or overcome nicotine addiction.

Tackling Child Poverty: A Foundation for a Better Start

The board also focused on strategies to tackle child poverty and ensure that children and young people in Derbyshire get the best possible start in life. This includes strengthening family services, improving early education, and enhancing the quality of early years provision. A key part of this strategy is the development of Family Hubs, designed to offer integrated support for families from conception to age 19. Initial sites are planned for Chesterfield and Ilkeston. These hubs are vital for providing accessible, multi-agency support to families facing challenges.

Neighbourhood Health Model: Shifting Focus to Communities

The meeting also touched upon the development of the Neighbourhood Health Model, a national initiative aiming to shift healthcare focus from hospitals to communities and from treating sickness to preventing it. Health and Wellbeing Boards are central to this, supporting local planning through NHS Neighbourhood Health Plans. Derbyshire's board is working to strengthen its capacity for oversight in this area.

Council Grapples with Financial Future: Budget and Reserves on the Table

The Derbyshire County Council Cabinet met on Thursday 29 January 2026 to discuss the council's financial outlook, including its reserves policy and the proposed budget for the upcoming financial year. These discussions are critical as they will shape how public funds are allocated and what services residents can expect. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Managing Reserves for Stability

A key item was the council's reserves position and its Reserves Policy. Reserves are funds set aside for unforeseen circumstances or specific future needs. The policy guides how these funds are managed, ensuring financial stability for the council, especially during uncertain economic times.

Budget Consultation and Capital Investment

The Cabinet reviewed the results of the budget consultation, an important step in understanding residents' priorities and concerns regarding financial plans. They also considered approvals for 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.

Revenue Budget and Council Plan Refresh

The core of the financial discussions revolved around the Revenue Budget Report for 2026-27, detailing proposed income and expenditure. Alongside this, the council considered the refresh of the Council Plan for 2026-29 and departmental service plans. These documents outline the council's strategic objectives and how each service area will contribute to achieving them, ultimately affecting the quality and scope of services delivered to residents.

Audit Committee Reviews Progress and Risk Management

The Derbyshire County Council Audit Committee met on Tuesday 27 January 2026 to review the progress of both internal and external audits, as well as to discuss risk management within key council departments. This oversight is vital for ensuring accountability and the effective use of public resources. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Internal Audit Progress and Resource Constraints

The committee received an update on the Internal Audit Progress Report for January 2026. This report details the work undertaken against the approved audit plan. However, it was noted that the progress of the audit plan has been affected by resource constraints, with a possibility of some audits being deferred to the next financial year. This could mean a delay in identifying and addressing potential risks within council operations.

External Audit Challenges and Assurance Building

A report on the external audit for the year ending 31 March 2025 was also discussed. Challenges encountered with property valuations led to a disclaimer of opinion on the previous year's financial statements. The external auditors are working with the council to rebuild assurance, a process that is crucial for maintaining public trust in the council's financial reporting.

Risk Management in Corporate Services and Transformation

The committee also reviewed a report on risk management within the Corporate Services and Transformation departments. Understanding how these areas identify, assess, and manage potential risks is essential for the smooth running of the council and the delivery of services.

Other Matters

• The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 29 January 2026 to discuss support for young people who vape, child poverty, and the Neighbourhood Health Model. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Cabinet met on Thursday 29 January 2026 to discuss the revenue budget, council tax, and the Council Plan Refresh. You can see the meeting details here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here are the upcoming meetings in the next 7 days:

• The Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - People are scheduled to meet on Friday 06 February 2026. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Regulatory - Planning Committee are scheduled to meet on Monday 09 February 2026. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Council are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 11 February 2026. 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.

This week in Derbyshire:

Stroke Services Under Review: Will Improvements Reach Everyone?

The Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - Health met on Monday 19 January 2026 to discuss crucial updates on stroke rehabilitation services and the work of Healthwatch Derbyshire. The focus is on improving care for stroke survivors, but concerns remain about accessibility and consistency. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Addressing Long Waits and Inconsistent Care

A key report detailed an improvement plan for stroke rehabilitation services across Derby and Derbyshire. The plan acknowledges that current community services are at capacity and that Early Supported Stroke Discharge (ESSD) is limited in some areas. Recommendations from a regional report highlight the need to improve access for all stroke patients and address service gaps.

The improvement plan includes new investment for ESSD in the High Peak and the recruitment of a full-time Psychologist to boost stroke-specific mental health support. However, public feedback from engagement activities revealed significant concerns about long waiting times, inconsistent follow-up, and insufficient psychological support. This suggests that while improvements are planned, ensuring they reach all residents, especially those in more remote areas, will be a challenge.

Healthwatch Derbyshire's Vital Role

The committee also received an update on the work of Healthwatch Derbyshire. This organisation plays a critical role in gathering patient and public feedback on health and social care services. Despite the announcement of potential disbandment of Healthwatch provision, their work continues, with recent engagement focusing on the NHS App, smoking cessation, and infection prevention. A recurring theme from their feedback is access to services, with most comments being negative and primarily concerning GP practices. This highlights ongoing challenges for residents trying to access primary care.

Developing a Food Plan for Derbyshire

The committee was also due to discuss the development of a food plan for Derbyshire. While details were limited, this initiative signals a growing recognition of the importance of food security and healthy eating within local government strategies.

Council Tackles Sickness Absence with Policy Overhaul

Derbyshire County Council's Appointments and Conditions of Service Committee met on Monday 19 January 2026 to discuss revisions to the Sickness Absence and Ill Health Capability Policy. The council is facing a significant cost of £9 million due to sickness absence, prompting a review aimed at improving attendance and support for staff. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Streamlining Support and Setting Clear Expectations

The revised policy, renamed from Attendance Management & Ill Health Capability Policy, introduces clearer triggers for sickness absence. A review will be recommended after four instances of sickness absence or 10 working days in a rolling 12-month period. The aim is to provide a more streamlined and transparent approach for both managers and employees, ensuring timely support and clear expectations. The policy has been drafted using employee-centred language and includes embedded fact sheets for guidance. Consultation with trade unions has taken place, indicating an effort to ensure buy-in and address potential concerns.

Workforce Policy Framework for Organisational Goals

The committee also considered a Workforce Policy Development Framework Foundation Principle. This framework aims to ensure that all workforce policies align with the council's objectives and priorities, ultimately supporting the delivery of high-quality services to residents. It emphasizes values such as interdependence, strategic alignment, and fairness, aiming to foster a high-performing, inclusive, well-led, motivated, well-trained, and well-rewarded workforce.

Police Precept Increase Proposed Amidst Financial Pressures

The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel met on Wednesday 21 January 2026 to consider a proposal to increase the police precept by £15 per annum for a Band D property. This decision comes as Derbyshire Constabulary faces significant financial pressures. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Public Support for Increased Funding

A public consultation on the proposed precept saw strong support for an increase, with 72.9% of respondents backing an increase of £15 or more. This indicates a public willingness to contribute more to ensure adequate funding for policing services.

Addressing Funding Gaps

The report highlights that the force is experiencing financial pressures due to pay awards, inflation, and insufficient central government investment. Despite finding over £10 million in efficiencies from non-staff costs, further savings in this area are limited. The report also projects future budget deficits beyond 2026/27, suggesting that reserves alone will not be sufficient to close these gaps. The proposed increase aims to address these immediate funding needs.

Pension Fund Navigates Investment Pooling and Risk Management

The Pensions and Investments Committee met on Wednesday 21 January 2026 to discuss the Derbyshire Pension Fund's Complaints Policy, its Risk Register, and the ongoing process of Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) investment pooling. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Updated Complaints Policy for Scheme Members

The committee considered an updated draft of the Derbyshire Pension Fund Complaints Policy. This policy aims to ensure that all complaints from scheme members are handled promptly and consistently. The updates include provisions for complaints related to the Fund's response to requests for information submitted to the Pensions Dashboards Programme (PDP), a government initiative to provide individuals with consolidated pension information.

Addressing Key Risks to the Pension Fund

A review of the Derbyshire Pension Fund's Risk Register identified four high-risk items: systems failure/lack of disaster recovery plan/cybercrime attack; LGPS Central Limited related underperformance of investment returns; insufficient cyber-liability insurance relating to the pensions administration system; and the impact of the McCloud judgement on administration. The committee was asked to note these risks and the proposed mitigation controls.

Preparing for Government-Mandated Investment Pooling

A significant focus was on the LGPS investment pooling, driven by government proposals to consolidate assets into fewer, larger investment pools. The proposed regulations would require administering authorities to delegate investment strategy implementation to their asset pool, LGPS Central Limited (LGPSC). The committee was asked to approve updated terms of reference to reflect these changes and authorise the Director of Legal and Democratic Services to enter into necessary legal agreements. The transition of the Fund's remaining assets to LGPSC for discretionary management is planned for April 2026.

Other Matters

• The Appointments and Conditions of Service Committee met on Monday 19 January 2026 to discuss a framework for workforce policy development and revisions to the Attendance Management & Ill Health Capability Policy. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - Health met on Monday 19 January 2026 to receive updates on stroke rehabilitation services, Healthwatch Derbyshire, and the development of a food plan for Derbyshire. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel met on Wednesday 21 January 2026 to consider the proposed police precept for 2026/27. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Pensions and Investments Committee met on Wednesday 21 January 2026 to discuss the Derbyshire Pension Fund's Complaints Policy, Risk Register, and investment pooling arrangements. 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 27 January 2026 to review audit progress and risk management. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Health and Wellbeing Board are scheduled to meet on Thursday 29 January 2026 to discuss support for young people who vape, child poverty, and the Neighbourhood Health Model. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Cabinet are scheduled to meet on Thursday 29 January 2026 to discuss the revenue budget, council tax, and the Council Plan Refresh. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - People are scheduled to meet on Friday 06 February 2026. You can see the meeting details here.

This week in Derbyshire:

Council Faces Tough Choices as Budget Savings Proposals Emerge

Derbyshire County Council is grappling with significant financial challenges, with the Resources Scrutiny Committee and the Cabinet both reviewing proposals for budget savings over the next five years. These savings are deemed necessary due to rising costs and demand for services, particularly in Children's Social Care and Adult Social Care. The council faces a projected budget gap of £37.777 million for the 2026-27 financial year alone. You can find the full details of the Cabinet meeting here and the Resources Scrutiny Committee meeting here: http://opencouncil.network/meetings/90849.

Impact on Vulnerable Residents

The proposed savings could have a direct impact on vulnerable groups. For instance, the potential closure of Glossop Household Waste Recycling Centre and a reduction in Recycling Credits are among the proposals that could affect residents' access to essential services. In Adult Social Care, a review of home care fees is underway, aiming to ensure best value and provider viability. However, changes to fee structures could indirectly affect the quality and availability of care for elderly and disabled residents.

The council is also proposing a 4.99% Council Tax increase, comprising a 2.99% general increase and a 2% increase specifically for Adult Social Care. This rise, coupled with the need for significant savings, highlights the difficult balancing act the council faces in maintaining services while managing its finances.

Key Decisions and Scrutiny

The Cabinet met on 9 January 2026 to consider these budget savings proposals, which were then referred to the Resources Scrutiny Committee for review. The committee's role is to scrutinise these proposals, ensuring that the council's financial decisions are sound and that the impact on residents is carefully considered.

The council's financial situation is further complicated by a growing deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), forecast to reach between £80 million and £85 million by March. This adds another layer of pressure to the council's overall financial planning.

Stroke Rehabilitation Services Under Review for Improved Patient Care

The Health Scrutiny Committee is set to examine a comprehensive review and improvement programme for stroke rehabilitation services across Derby and Derbyshire. The aim is to transform services to ensure better access and more equitable care for all stroke patients. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Addressing Gaps and Waiting Times

The current Integrated Community Stroke Service (ICSS) model has identified areas for improvement, including long waiting times for psychological support and inconsistent follow-up care. The proposed programme includes new investment for Early Supported Stroke Discharge (ESSD) in areas currently lacking such services, and the recruitment of a full-time Psychologist to bolster stroke-specific mental health support.

Public Feedback Shapes Improvements

Crucially, the review has incorporated extensive public engagement. Feedback gathered through events, surveys, and workshops has highlighted the need for better communication and more consistent service access across different regions. The committee will consider the findings of the Patient and Public Engagement Report as part of its deliberations.

Other Matters

Workforce Policies Undergoing Revision

The Appointments and Conditions of Service Committee is scheduled to review proposed revisions to key workforce policies. This includes an updated Attendance Management and Ill Health Capability Policy, renamed the Sickness Absence and Ill Health Capability policy. The council is looking to address the significant cost of sickness absence, estimated at £9 million, by introducing clearer triggers and review processes for managing employee absence. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Police Precept Increase Proposed

The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel will consider a proposal to increase the police precept by £15 per annum for a Band D property. This decision is part of the Police and Crime Commissioner's plan to address funding pressures and maintain front-line policing. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Pension Fund Governance and Investment Pooling

The Pensions and Investments Committee will review the Derbyshire Pension Fund's Complaints Policy and Risk Register. They will also discuss the ongoing process of Local Government Pension Scheme investment pooling, a government initiative to consolidate assets into fewer, larger investment pools. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here are the upcoming meetings in the next 7 days:

• The Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - Health are scheduled to meet on Monday 19 January 2026 to discuss stroke rehabilitation services and a food plan for Derbyshire. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Appointments and Conditions of Service Committee are scheduled to meet on Monday 19 January 2026 to discuss workforce policies. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 21 January 2026 to consider the proposed police precept. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Pensions and Investments Committee are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 21 January 2026 to discuss the Derbyshire Pension Fund. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Audit Committee are scheduled to meet on Tuesday 27 January 2026. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Health and Wellbeing Board are scheduled to meet on Thursday 29 January 2026. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Cabinet are scheduled to meet on Thursday 29 January 2026. You can see the meeting details here.