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.

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 Approves £1 Million for SEND Adaptations and New Skills Strategy

The Cabinet met on Thursday, 10 September 2026, making key decisions that will impact children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and shape the future of employment and skills in the county. A significant £1 million was approved for essential adaptations in schools to support SEND pupils, and a new strategy was adopted to boost employment and skills across Derbyshire.

Boosting Support for SEND Pupils with £1 Million Investment

The Cabinet approved the allocation of £1 million from the Children's Services School Condition Allocation and the High Needs Provision Capital Allocation budgets. This funding will be used to make necessary adaptations in maintained schools, ensuring that children and young people with SEND can access high-quality education in inclusive environments.

This investment is crucial for creating accessible learning spaces, which can include anything from installing ramps and accessible toilets to providing specialist equipment. For families of children with SEND, these adaptations can mean the difference between a child struggling to attend school and one who can thrive in a supportive and appropriate learning setting.

Additionally, £125,000 was approved for South Wingfield Primary School to top up Section 106 Developer Contributions, and £525,000 was transferred from the Children's Services Basic Need budget to Drakelow Flying High Academy Primary School. These financial adjustments further support the provision of educational facilities.

You can find more details about this meeting here.

New Derbyshire Employment and Skills Strategy Aims for Inclusive Growth

The Derbyshire Employment and Skills Strategy 2026-2030 was formally adopted by the Cabinet. This ambitious strategy aims to create a more inclusive, resilient, and productive employment and skills system by 2030. Its core objectives are to increase the number of residents in employment, training, or education, and to ensure that both residents and businesses are prepared for future employment and skills demands.

This strategy is vital for the economic well-being of Derbyshire. By focusing on skills development and job creation, it seeks to ensure that all residents, regardless of age or background, have the opportunity to access good-quality work and that local businesses can thrive. This could translate into more training opportunities, support for apprenticeships, and initiatives to help people re-enter the workforce or upskill for new careers.

The Cabinet also supported the development of an Action Plan for the strategy's implementation, with the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency (Councillor John Lawson), delegated authority to approve the final plan.

You can find more details about this meeting here.

Elvaston Castle and Gardens Trust Secures £0.25 Million Funding

The Cabinet approved a Collaboration Agreement with the Elvaston Castle and Gardens Trust, including a grant of £0.50 million per annum for five years, totalling £0.25 million. This funding will support the Trust's vital work in volunteer coordination, fundraising, community engagement, and the development of heritage and educational programmes at the Elvaston Estate.

The Trust has already demonstrated significant social value, with an estimated £396,900 in social value generated through volunteer hours in 2025 alone. This agreement ensures continued support for the preservation and enhancement of this important local landmark, benefiting both its heritage and the community.

You can find more details about this meeting here.

Other Matters

Highways Capital Programme Delivery Noted

The Cabinet noted the delivery of £17.500 million of the annual Highways Capital Programme in the first quarter of 2026-27. They also acknowledged the securing of additional external funding for priority schemes, which will enable further improvements to the county's road network.

Treasury Management and Financial Performance Reviewed

The Cabinet reviewed the Treasury Management Report for Quarter 1 of 2026-27, confirming compliance with prudential indicators. They also noted the Capital Budget monitoring and forecast for the same period, indicating an overall underspend against the total programme budget. A performance update for Quarter 1 of 2026-27 showed a forecast net underspend of £1.183 million against the Revenue Budget, with 92% of savings expected to be delivered. However, overspends were noted in Adult Care, Children's Services, and Highways, which were offset by underspends in Corporate and Transformation budgets.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Progress

Derbyshire County Council was approved to act as the host authority for the LGR Implementation Reserve and as the Contracting Authority to secure a Delivery Partner for LGR on behalf of ten Derby and Derbyshire councils. This is a critical step towards the safe and legal establishment of new authorities by April 2028.

Road Markings Contract Value Increased

The Cabinet approved an increase to the contract value for PLACE136 Road Markings, following recommendations in a not for publication report.

Note: The Regulatory - Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 9 September 2026, was cancelled.