Purpose

A presentation
to the Corporate Management Team on 1 April 2025 detailing rapid
changes to the grant capacity for Derbyshire Adult Community
Education Service (DACES) resulted in a review of operational
delivery and building costs in order that measures could be taken
within the decision making parameters of the service to ensure that
the adult education offer for 25/26 remained within funding
limitations in light of in year reductions to the overall financial
grant.

Decision

RESOLVED to:
 
Approve the
request to declare Ashbourne, the Derbyshire Eco Centre, Long Eaton
(commonly referred to as Community House), Matlock (commonly
referred to as “The Ritz), and Shirebrook buildings surplus
to DACES requirements from September 12th 2025.

Reasons for the decision

Seek Cabinet
Member decision for business-critical decision. Due to rapid
changes to the grant conditions for (DACES) and need to review
operational delivery and building costs in order that measures
could be taken within the decision-making parameters of the service
to ensure that the adult education offer for 25/26 remained within
funding limitations in light of in year reductions to the overall
financial grant.
 
To enable
Property Services to progress the decommissioning of the buildings
for DACES use and implement options appraisal to determine the best
outcome for the property in line with the Council’s strategic
objectives. The options that are considered
include: 

•        
re-purposing for alternative Council service
delivery,

•        
lease out

•        
disposal

Alternative options considered

If not
addressed, the significant financial pressures due to reduced grant
funding and increased costs may impact the Council's ability to
deliver planned learning outcomes and maintain service levels
exemplified in the Delivery Plan submitted to EMCCA. This could
trigger early regulatory inspection, FE Commissioner intervention
and external audits to ensure appropriate use of funds and
compliance with funding conditions.