This week in Derbyshire:

Tree Planting Project Faces Scrutiny Amid Funding Concerns

Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet convened on Thursday to discuss a range of issues, including a £3.346 million grant for tree planting. You can find the full details of the meeting here. While the grant aims to expand Derbyshire's Heartwood Community Forest, questions remain about the long-term sustainability of the project.

• Defra Funding: The grant, awarded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), will fund 121 hectares of new tree planting and woodland creation by March 2026.
• Long-Term Commitment: The funding agreement covers the period from April 2025 to March 2040, including 15 years of post-planting establishment costs.
• Community Forest: Councillor Carol Wood, Cabinet Member for Net Zero and Environment, highlighted that Derbyshire's Heartwood Community Forest is part of a network of 15 Community Forests in England, providing urban, economic, and social regeneration.

While the tree planting initiative is welcomed, some residents have expressed concerns about the council's ability to maintain the new woodlands in the long term, given existing budget pressures.

Highways Funding Boost Sparks Debate Over Priorities

The Cabinet also considered the Local Transport Plan Funding Award for 2025-26, totaling £41.174 million. This includes £37.502 million for highways maintenance and £3.672 million for integrated transport.

• Highways Maintenance: The funding will support carriageway maintenance, patching, and resurfacing schemes, determined in accordance with the Council's Highways Asset Management Strategy.
• Traffic Management: The Cabinet was to consider extending existing contract arrangements for Traffic Management to £8.2 million to support the expanded programme.
• Public Transport: The Bus Grant Award funding, confirmed by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), allocates £7.750 million to the Council for delivering the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) in 2025-26.

While the additional funding is expected to improve road conditions and public transport, some residents have questioned whether it adequately addresses the needs of rural communities and sustainable transport options.

Council to Rationalise Office Space Amid Cost-Cutting Measures

In a move to save money, the Cabinet discussed a proposal to relocate Mercian Close Offices in Ilkeston and the Parkwood Centre in Alfreton to The Grammar in Heanor.

• Lease Expiry: The lease of Mercian Close Offices is due to expire on September 29, 2025, and the landlord has proposed a new 20-year lease.
• Property Potential: The Parkwood Centre is a Council-owned property with development potential.
• New Hub: The Grammar, a former school building built in 1912, is located in the district of Amber Valley adjacent to Heanor marketplace.

The relocation aims to create a new hub accommodation, but some employees have expressed concerns about the impact on their commutes and working conditions.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet discussed allocations from the Children's Services SEND High Needs Capital allocation for projects at Stubbin Wood School, Ashgate Croft Special School and Brackenfield Special School.
• The Cabinet considered the Treasury Management Annual Report 2024-25, providing details of Treasury Management activities during the period and indicating the Council's compliance with prudential indicators.
• The Place Scrutiny Committee discussed an overview of the Place Department and the Highways function, as well as the proposed work programme for 2025-26. You can see the meeting details here. No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

Here are the upcoming meetings in the next 7 days:

• The Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - Health are scheduled to meet on Monday 28 July 2025 to discuss an update on the NHS/ICB Joint Forward Plan Refresh, an update from Healthwatch Derbyshire, and a review of the committee's work programme. You can see the meeting details here.

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.

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.

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:

• The Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - Health meeting scheduled for Monday 7 July 2025 has been cancelled. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Standing Advisory Committee for Religious Education meeting scheduled for Monday 7 July 2025 has been cancelled. You can see the meeting details here.
• Council on Wednesday 09 July 2025. You can see the meeting details here.
• Governance, Ethics and Standards Committee on Thursday 10 July 2025. You can see the meeting details here.
• Regulatory - Planning Committee on Monday 14 July 2025. You can see the meeting details here.
• Appointments and Conditions of Service Committee on Monday 14 July 2025. You can see the meeting details here.
• Audit Committee on Tuesday 15 July 2025. You can see the meeting details here.
• Pensions and Investments Committee on Wednesday 16 July 2025. You can see the meeting details here.
• Health and Wellbeing Board on Thursday 17 July 2025. You can see the meeting details here.
• Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel on Thursday 17 July 2025. You can see the meeting details here.