This week in Derbyshire:

Council Approves £40 Million for Highway Maintenance and New Waste Plan

The Cabinet met on Thursday, 15 October 2026, making significant decisions on the future of waste management and the upkeep of Derbyshire's roads. A new Joint Waste Local Plan was approved, and a substantial £40 million was earmarked for crucial highway maintenance workstreams.

A Greener Future: New Waste Local Plan for Derbyshire and Derby

The Cabinet has given the green light to prepare a new Joint Waste Local Plan for Derbyshire (outside the Peak District National Park) and Derby. This plan, developed in partnership with Derby City Council, will set out the policies and sites needed for waste management and related developments. The move comes as new, faster regulations require local plans to be prepared within 30 months.

The existing Joint Waste Local Plan, adopted in 2005, is now out of date. This new plan is essential for guiding future waste infrastructure and ensuring the county meets its environmental targets. The decision authorises the Executive Director for Place to begin the evidence gathering and consultation process.

What this means for residents: A robust waste plan is key to managing the county's waste effectively and sustainably. This could lead to improved recycling facilities and a clearer strategy for dealing with waste, contributing to a cleaner environment for everyone.

You can find more details about this meeting here.

£40 Million Boost for Road Repairs and Maintenance

A significant investment of up to £40 million has been approved for six critical highway maintenance workstreams. These projects aim to improve the condition of Derbyshire's roads and ensure the resilience of maintenance services. The approved workstreams include:

• Spray Injection Patching: Specialist machines and operatives will tackle potholes and road defects, building on the success of a pilot project.
• Thermal Patching: This will increase repair capacity and provide resilience during peak demand for road maintenance.
• Rubber Modified Material Patching: Expanding the use of innovative rubber-asphalt treatments to reduce pothole formation and extend road life.
• Asphalt Rejuvenation/Preservation: A preventative approach to improve road surfaces and reduce future maintenance costs.
• Environmental Hazards: Ensuring 24/7 specialist response for environmental incidents on the highway.
• Highways Recycled Materials: Securing the supply and reuse of recycled materials to promote sustainability and reduce waste.

What this means for residents: This investment is crucial for improving the safety and quality of Derbyshire's roads. Residents can expect to see more efficient and effective repairs, leading to smoother journeys and reduced disruption from potholes and other road defects.

You can find more details about this meeting here.

Grants Secured for Tree Planting and Community Forests

Derbyshire is set to benefit from significant grant funding for tree planting and woodland creation. The Cabinet approved the acceptance of Revenue and Capital Delivery Grants from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for Derbyshire's Heartwood Community Forest (DHCF).

The Revenue Grant of £0.198 million will support operational costs for the 2026-27 financial year, while a Capital Grant of £2.562 million will fund woodland creation and tree planting. The DHCF, established in November 2023, is part of a national initiative to regenerate urban areas and create green infrastructure.

What this means for residents: This funding will support the expansion of green spaces across Derbyshire, bringing environmental, social, and economic benefits to local communities. Increased tree cover can improve air quality, provide habitats for wildlife, and create more attractive and healthier places to live.

You can find more details about this meeting here.

Other Matters

Company Dissolution and Business Support Contract Amendments

The Cabinet agreed to the voluntary strike-off and dissolution of MEGZ Limited, a company no longer required for the Markham Employment Growth Zone. Amendments were also approved for the Start and Sustain contract, extending its end date and reducing its value to align with revised requirements for business start-up support.

Community Safety Agreement Refresh

The refreshed Derbyshire Community Safety Agreement for 2026-2028 was agreed and will be referred to Council for formal approval. This agreement sets out priorities and objectives for community safety partnerships across the county.

Complaints and Ombudsman Report Noted

The Cabinet noted a report on compliments and complaints received in 2025/26, alongside the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman's Annual Review Letter. An increase in complaints was highlighted, and a further assurance report on improvement activities has been requested.

Funding from East Midlands Combined County Authority Accepted

The Cabinet approved the acceptance of funding from the East Midlands Combined County Authority from the Local Growth Fund.

This week in Derbyshire:

Council Faces Tough Choices on Planning and Probation Policies

This week, Derbyshire County Council's Council meeting on Wednesday 7 October 2026 saw a robust debate on significant changes to council procedures and planning delegation. Meanwhile, the Appointments and Conditions of Service Committee, also scheduled for Wednesday 7 October 2026, was set to consider revisions to the council's Probation Policy.

Planning Powers Shift as National Regulations Take Hold

The Council meeting addressed mandatory changes to the council's constitution to comply with the national scheme of delegation for planning decisions, effective from 31 October 2026. This legislation, introduced by the government, has sparked widespread concern among councillors about the erosion of local democratic oversight and the shift of power from elected members to unelected officers.

Despite considerable opposition and lengthy debate, the amendments were approved. Many councillors expressed their deep dissatisfaction, emphasizing that compliance was a legal necessity rather than an endorsement of the new regulations. This change could mean that fewer planning applications are debated and voted on by councillors, potentially reducing the direct influence residents have on developments in their local areas.

What this means for residents: While the intention is to streamline the planning process, the shift towards officer-led decision-making raises questions about transparency and the ability of elected representatives to influence development. Residents may find it harder to have their voices heard on local planning matters that directly affect their communities.

You can find more details about this meeting here.

Probation Policy Under Review: Aims for Modernisation

The Appointments and Conditions of Service Committee was scheduled to consider proposed changes to Derbyshire County Council's Probation Policy. This review is part of a broader effort to modernise workforce policies and ensure a consistent approach to supporting and assessing new employees. The proposed revisions aim to align with forthcoming changes from the Employment Rights Act 2025, which places a greater emphasis on the effective management of employees during their initial period of employment.

Key proposed changes included reducing the core probation period from six months to three months, requiring monthly manager review meetings, and establishing clearer guidelines for induction, objective setting, and ongoing support. The policy also aimed to introduce formal arrangements for confirming appointments, extending probation, or considering termination if performance standards were not met, along with a formal appeal process for those dismissed during probation.

What this means for residents: While primarily an internal HR matter, a well-structured probation policy ensures that new employees are properly supported and assessed, contributing to a more effective and stable workforce. This can indirectly benefit residents through improved service delivery and a more consistent experience when interacting with council staff.

You can find more details about this meeting here.

Council Approves Budget Outturn and Welcomes New Executive Directors

The Council meeting on Wednesday 7 October 2026 also saw the approval of the Q1 financial outturn, which indicated a projected underspend. The meeting also noted the appointment of two new Executive Directors to strengthen the council's senior leadership team.

Financial Performance: A Projected Underspend

Councillor John Lawson, Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency, presented the Q1 performance and budget monitoring report. The council is forecasting a net underspend of £1.183 million against its revenue budget, with 91% of savings on track for delivery. This positive financial outlook is a welcome development, especially given the council's commitment to responsible financial management.

However, concerns were raised about overspends in Adult Care, Children's Services, and Highways. Action plans are being developed to address these areas, demonstrating the council's commitment to managing its finances effectively across all departments. A significant cumulative deficit on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) was also highlighted as a challenge requiring ongoing attention.

What this means for residents: A projected underspend suggests that the council is managing its finances prudently, potentially freeing up resources for essential services. However, the noted overspends in key areas like Adult Care and Children's Services highlight the ongoing pressures faced by these vital departments, which could impact service delivery if not effectively managed.

Strengthening Leadership: New Executive Directors Appointed

The Council noted the appointments of Chris Henning as Executive Director of Corporate Services and Transformation and Claire Brailsford as Executive Director for Place. These appointments are crucial for the council's strategic direction and operational effectiveness.

What this means for residents: New senior leadership can bring fresh perspectives and drive improvements in service delivery. The focus on transformation and place suggests a commitment to enhancing how the council operates and how it shapes the county's development and services.

Other Matters

Environmental Sustainability Strategy Sparks Debate

A motion proposed by Councillor Rachael Hatchett calling for the Environmental Sustainability Strategy to include unambiguous recognition of man-made climate change and the commissioning of a Corporate Carbon Reduction Action Plan was debated. Despite strong arguments from Councillor Hatchett, the motion was defeated, with the Leader of the Council, Councillor Alan Graves, arguing that the council's current strategy was more practical and action-oriented.

Concessionary Bus Travel and NHS Pathways Trial Discussed

A motion proposed by Councillor Alex Dale to explore the removal of the 9:30 am weekday start time for concessionary bus passes was approved after amendment. Additionally, a motion proposed by Councillor Paul Maginnis expressing concerns about the NHS puberty blocker trial for children and young people in Derbyshire and requesting assurances on safeguarding was also approved.

Notices of Motion on Screen Industries and Environmental Strategy

A motion proposed by Councillor Sarah Reaney to develop a Screen and Creative Industries plan was approved. However, Councillor Hatchett's motion regarding the Environmental Sustainability Strategy was defeated.

This week in Derbyshire:

Council Grapples with Future of Waste Treatment Centre Amidst Financial Setbacks

The Cabinet met on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, to confront a critical decision regarding the future of the Derby and Derbyshire Waste Treatment Centre (DDWTC). After years of challenges and a failed procurement process, the council is now recommending the decommissioning of the facility, a move that comes with significant financial implications and a substantial write-down of past expenditure.

A £96 Million Write-Down: The Cost of a Failed Project

The core of the discussion revolves around the outcome of a rapid options assessment for the DDWTC. The report details a troubled history dating back to 2006, with the project plagued by issues, including the termination of an original agreement and subsequent litigation that cost the council £93.5 million. Despite a renewed attempt in February 2023 to rectify and operate the centre, a competitive procurement process launched in December 2024 failed to attract a final tender.

The assessment concluded that no commercially viable route exists to operate the DDWTC without the council taking on unacceptable financial risks. Consequently, the recommendation is for Derbyshire County Council to withdraw from the project, provided Derby City Council also agrees. This would pave the way for decommissioning and demolition, with alternative waste disposal contracts to be procured.

The financial fallout is stark: an estimated £95.93 million impairment and write-back impact for the County Council. While this is an accounting consequence rather than a new cash cost, it represents a significant write-down of past investment. The council plans to seek Exceptional Financial Support from the government to manage this revenue impact.

What this means for residents: While the immediate impact on household waste collection services is not detailed, the decision signals the end of a long-held ambition for a local waste treatment facility. Residents may see increased costs for waste disposal in the future, as the council will need to secure new contracts with third-party providers. The council is also proposing to spend up to £1.45 million from general reserves to fund the decommissioning process and an additional £2.0 million for new waste disposal and recycling contracts.

You can find more details about this meeting here.

Planning Reforms Spark Concern Over Democratic Oversight

The Governance, Ethics and Standards Committee met on Thursday, 17 September 2026, to discuss proposed changes to the council's constitution that would align with new national regulations on the delegation of planning decisions. These changes, driven by the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026, are set to come into effect on 31 October 2026.

Shifting Power to Officers: What's at Stake?

The new regulations introduce a national scheme of delegation, which significantly restricts the types of planning applications that can be determined by a committee. Many decisions will now be made by council officers. The proposed constitutional amendments aim to comply with these regulations, which categorise applications into those that must be determined by officers, those with a presumption of officer determination (but with specific criteria for committee referral), and own-interest applications.

The council has previously voiced opposition to these reforms, citing concerns about the loss of democratic oversight. While the proposed changes aim to maintain some level of member involvement, the shift towards officer-led decision-making raises questions about transparency and the ability of elected representatives to influence development in their local areas.

What this means for residents: This change could mean that fewer planning applications are debated and voted on by councillors. While the intention is to streamline the process, residents who wish to see local councillors make decisions on developments in their neighbourhoods may find their influence reduced. The council is working to ensure that the new framework allows for meaningful member involvement and transparency within the legislative constraints.

You can find more details about this meeting here.

Climate Risks and Financial Health Under the Microscope

The Audit Committee met on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, to review a range of critical financial and governance matters, including the council's preparedness for climate change risks and the accuracy of its financial statements.

Climate Change: A Growing Risk to Council Services

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a deep dive into the council's management of climate change risks, specifically the Failure to adapt to extreme, adverse, and more variable weather. The committee reviewed how the council identifies, assesses, and monitors these risks. While the council has a good understanding of the most pressing climate-related threats, the report highlighted a need for additional expertise, advice, funding, and resources to develop a comprehensive action plan. The council's Environmental Sustainability Strategy, approved in July 2026, includes a theme on preparing for adverse weather, indicating a commitment to addressing these challenges.

What this means for residents: This focus on climate risks is crucial for ensuring the long-term resilience of essential council services. Extreme weather events can disrupt everything from transport networks and public buildings to the delivery of social care. Proactive adaptation measures are vital to minimise disruption and protect vulnerable residents.

Financial Statements and Governance Under Review

The committee also reviewed the draft Statement of Accounts for the year ended 2025/26, which were published for public inspection. The external audit by Forvis Mazars was scheduled to commence shortly after the meeting. Additionally, the Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26 was reviewed, outlining how the council complies with good governance principles. The report noted that while governance frameworks are largely in place, improvements are needed to strengthen consistency and visibility. The Internal Audit Annual Opinion for 2025/26 concluded a Limited level of assurance, indicating ongoing significant control issues in higher-risk areas.

What this means for residents: The scrutiny of financial statements and governance is fundamental to ensuring public money is managed responsibly. A Limited assurance opinion from Internal Audit suggests that there are areas where controls need strengthening, which could have implications for the efficiency and effectiveness of council services. The council is working to address these identified weaknesses.

You can find more details about this meeting here.

Other Matters

Police Reform and Neighbourhood Policing

The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel met on Thursday, 17 September 2026, to discuss significant police reforms, including the potential transfer of Police and Crime Commissioner functions to elected mayors by 2028. The panel also received an update on the new national Policing Performance System, which categorises Derbyshire Constabulary as a Level Two Force, indicating emerging concerns. Discussions also covered the progress of Neighbourhood Policing initiatives and the force's Medium-Term Financial Strategy, which projected a funding gap in the coming years.

You can find more details about this meeting here.

This week in Derbyshire:

Council Pulls Plug on Waste Treatment Centre, Facing £96 Million Write-Down

The Cabinet met on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, to make a pivotal decision on the future of the Derby and Derbyshire Waste Treatment Centre (DDWTC). After years of setbacks and a failed procurement process, the council has recommended withdrawing from the project to rectify and operate the facility. Instead, the plan is to decommission the centre and seek alternative waste disposal solutions.

The High Cost of a Failed Project: A £96 Million Write-Down

The decision stems from a rapid options assessment that highlighted the project's troubled history, dating back to 2006. Despite previous attempts to get the facility operational, a competitive procurement process launched in December 2024 concluded in May 2026 without a single tender being submitted. The assessment concluded that no commercially viable path existed to operate the DDWTC without the council taking on unacceptable financial risks.

The financial implications are substantial. Derbyshire County Council faces an estimated accounting consequence of £95.93 million due to the impairment and write-back of capital expenditure previously recognised on its balance sheet. While this is an accounting adjustment, it represents a significant write-down of past investment. The council intends to seek Exceptional Financial Support from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to manage the revenue impact.

What this means for residents: This decision marks the end of a long-standing ambition for a local waste treatment facility. While immediate impacts on household waste collection are not detailed, residents may face increased costs for waste disposal in the future as the council procures new contracts with external providers. The council is also proposing to spend up to £1.45 million from general reserves to fund the decommissioning process and an additional £2.0 million for new waste disposal and recycling contracts.

You can find more details about this meeting here.

New Skills Strategy to Boost Employment and Support Vulnerable Groups

The Place Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, to discuss the Derbyshire Employment and Skills Strategy 2026-30. This strategy, already approved by Cabinet, outlines the council's vision for improving employment and skills across the county, with a particular focus on supporting vulnerable groups and preparing residents for future job markets.

A Strategy for Inclusive Growth

The strategy aims to create a more inclusive, resilient, and productive employment and skills system by 2030. Key objectives include increasing the number of residents in employment, training, or education, and enhancing residents' high-level skills. It also seeks to ensure employers can access a skilled local workforce and reduce skills and employment gaps across the county.

The strategy identifies eight priority areas, including:

• Creating a joined-up supported employment programme.
• Supporting priority vulnerable groups into employment.
• Developing skills for the future.
• Supporting employers, particularly in priority sectors, to build a skilled and inclusive workforce.
• Utilising the council as a lead employer to encourage positive changes in business practices.
• Supporting areas with the greatest barriers to employment and training.
• Improving the social value of the council's work to prioritise local employment and skills.
• Ensuring system integration with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

What this means for residents: This strategy is designed to create more opportunities for everyone in Derbyshire. Residents can expect initiatives focused on training, apprenticeships, and support for those facing barriers to employment, such as health issues or transport difficulties. The focus on vulnerable groups means targeted support for individuals who may have found it harder to access good-quality work in the past.

You can find more details about this meeting here.

HR Policies Under Review: Harassment, Bullying, and Pay Agreements

The Appointments and Conditions of Service Committee met on Thursday, 24 September 2026, to discuss proposed updates to key HR policies, including those concerning harassment and bullying, as well as changes to pay agreements and employee benefits.

Strengthening Harassment and Bullying Policies

The committee was scheduled to consider amendments to the Harassment and Bullying Policy. The proposed changes aim to ensure a working environment where such behaviour is unacceptable and to provide clear processes for complaints and resolutions. These updates are partly driven by upcoming legislative changes, including the Employment Rights Act 2025, which will impose more stringent obligations on employers to prevent sexual harassment. The revised policy seeks to align with ACAS guidance and advice from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

What this means for residents: While this policy primarily affects council employees, a robust harassment and bullying policy contributes to a positive and respectful workplace culture, which can indirectly benefit the public through improved service delivery.

Changes to Employee Payments and Benefits

A proposal was put forward to remove grade limits for claiming recall to work and standby payments. Currently, employees on Grade 14 and above are restricted from these allowances. The proposed change would allow these higher-graded employees to claim these allowances, subject to authorisation, aiming to improve the council's resilience and ability to respond to emergencies. This change has an estimated annual cost implication of £150,000.

The committee was also scheduled to note the implementation of national pay agreements for 2026/2027, which include a 3.3% increase for Chief Officers and Local Government Services employees, and a 3.6% increase for Soulbury employees. These pay awards have an estimated financial implication of £9.625 million.

What this means for residents: While these changes directly impact council staff, they are part of the council's efforts to ensure fair compensation and to maintain operational resilience, particularly during emergencies. The financial implications are factored into the council's budget.

You can find more details about this meeting here.