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Summary
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The Derbyshire County Council Cabinet met on Thursday, 21 May 2026, to discuss and approve several key initiatives. Significant decisions included the acceptance of substantial government funding for crisis and resilience support, the approval of updated home-to-school transport policies, and the allocation of funds for a new primary school in Drakelow.
Crisis and Resilience Fund
The Cabinet accepted additional Government Crisis and Resilience Funding (CRF) amounting to a provisional £28.319 million for the period 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029. This funding, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), aims to support low-income households facing unexpected financial issues and to build long-term financial resilience within communities. Authority was delegated to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Director of Finance, to approve expenditure in line with national guidance and the local delivery plan. This includes approving the framework for individual crisis payments to residents. Grant funding will also be provided to local Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) partners, and district and borough councils. Ongoing authority to approve future CRF grants to VCSE partners, irrespective of value, was delegated to the Cabinet Member for Communities and Safety, in conjunction with the Council's s151 Officer. The Cabinet Member for Communities and Safety will also approve the annual delivery plan submitted to the DWP.
Home to School Transport Outcome of Consultation
Following a public consultation, the Cabinet approved amended policies for home-to-school transport. The School Travel Policy for children of Compulsory School Age
and the Post 16 Travel Support Policy Statement
will be implemented from September 2027. Key changes include the introduction of Personal Transport Budgets (PTBs) to offer families more flexibility in travel arrangements, and an enhanced Independent Travel Training (ITT) offer to promote independence for young people with SEND. Parental contribution amounts in the Post 16 Transport Policy Statement will increase from September 2026 in line with inflation. Route assessments will now be carried out by qualified officers, with the final decision on route availability resting with the Cabinet Member responsible for SEND and Inclusion.
New Primary School at Drakelow
The Cabinet noted that the new Drakelow Park Flying High Academy, built by the developer as part of Section 106 obligations, is scheduled to open in September 2026. Approval was granted for the allocation of £525,000 from the Children's Services Capital budget for initial set-up costs, including furniture, ICT equipment, and resources. This funding will equip the school for its full capacity as a two-form entry provision, with an element specifically for fixed furniture installation not provided by the developer.
Review of the Corporate Complaints Policy
The revised Corporate Compliments and Complaints Policy was approved for publication and full implementation from 19 June 2026. This update ensures compliance with the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, which mandates an internal process for handling data protection complaints before they can be escalated to the Information Commissioner's Office. The revised policy also reflects the Council's new vision and outcomes outlined in the 2026-2029 Council Plan. The procedure for dealing with unreasonably persistent complainants and unreasonable behaviour, approved in April 2025, was reviewed and deemed not to require amendment.
Executive Health and Safety Policy Statement and Responsibilities
The revised Executive Health and Safety Policy Statement and Responsibilities were approved. This update ensures the Council continues to meet its statutory obligations under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, reflecting the Council's current administration, leadership, and values. The policy demonstrates the Council's commitment to managing health, safety, and wellbeing standards to protect employees, customers, stakeholders, contractors, and others affected by its services.
Proposed Transfer of East Midlands Freeport Accountable Body
Approval was given for the role of Accountable Body for the East Midlands Freeport (EMF) to transfer from Leicestershire County Council (LCC) to the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). This transfer aims to strengthen regional alignment. Derbyshire County Council, as a founding member of the EMF, also agreed to EMCCA becoming a Founding Member of EMF. Revised Members' Agreement and Articles of Association were approved to reflect these changes. The Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency, Councillor John Lawson, was nominated as the East Midlands Freeport Company Director on behalf of Derbyshire County Council, with the power to appoint an alternate to attend Board meetings in their absence.
Drug & Alcohol Treatment & Recovery Service Contract Modifications
The Cabinet approved the recommendations within a not-for-publication report concerning modifications to the Derbyshire Recovery Partnership contract.
Increase in Value of Contract PLACE 166 Surface Dressing
The Cabinet approved the recommendation within a not-for-publication report regarding an increase in the value of Contract PLACE 166 Surface Dressing.
Award of Contract for Maintenance, Service, Repair, Breakdown and Recovery, Accident Damage and Commissioning of Vehicles - Derbyshire Constabulary
The Cabinet approved the recommendations within a not-for-publication report concerning the award of a contract for vehicle maintenance and related services for Derbyshire Constabulary.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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New Primary School at Drakelow - Drakelow Park Flying High Academy - Flying High Partnership
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Derbyshire Council decided to approve the allocation of £525,000 from the Children's Services Capital budget for the initial set up costs of furniture, IT equipment, and teaching resources for the new Drakelow Park Flying High Academy. This decision was made on 21 May 2026. The approved funding will cover furniture, ICT equipment, and resources for the school's full capacity.
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Executive Health and Safety Policy Statement and Responsibilities
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Derbyshire Council decided to approve the revised Executive Health and Safety Policy Statement and Responsibilities on 21 May 2026. This decision ensures continued compliance with statutory duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The policy statement will be shared with trade unions via the Wellbeing Workstream.
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Crisis and Resilience Fund
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Derbyshire Council decided to approve the framework for the UK Government Crisis and Resilience Fund on 21 May 2026. This decision included accepting £28.319m in funding, approving grant funding to local partners, and delegating authority for expenditure and future grant approvals.
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Award of Contract for Maintenance, Service, Repair, Breakdown and Recovery, Accident Damage and Commissioning of Vehicles - Derbyshire Constabulary
Recommendations ApprovedDerbyshire Cabinet approved recommendations on 21/05/2026. The decision concerned the award of a contract for vehicle maintenance, service, repair, breakdown, recovery, accident damage, and commissioning for Derbyshire Constabulary.
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Drug & Alcohol Treatment & Recovery Service Contract Modifications
Recommendations ApprovedDerbyshire Cabinet approved recommendations on 21/05/2026. These recommendations concerned modifications to the Derbyshire Recovery Partnership contract CPH083 and related contracts for 2026-2029.
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Review of the Corporate Complaints Policy in relation to Data Protection Complaints
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Derbyshire Council approved the revised Corporate Compliments and Complaints Policy on 21/05/2026. This policy includes the management of data protection complaints and will be implemented from 19th June 2026. The revised policy incorporates amendments to ensure compliance with the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.
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Home to school transport outcome of consultation
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Derbyshire Council decided to approve amended policies for home to school transport for children of compulsory school age and post-16 travel support, effective from September 2027. They also approved an increase in parental contributions for post-16 transport from September 2026, in line with inflation. Route assessments will be conducted by qualified officers, with the Cabinet Member for SEND and Inclusion making the final decision on route walkability.
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Increase in Value of Contract PLACE 166 Surface Dressing
Recommendations ApprovedDerbyshire Council Cabinet approved the increase in value of contract PLACE 166 Surface Dressing on 21 May 2026. The decision was to approve the recommendation in the not for publication report.
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Proposed Transfer of East Midlands Freeport Accountable Body to East Midlands Combined County Authority
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Derbyshire Council decided to approve the transfer of the East Midlands Freeport Accountable Body role from Leicestershire County Council to East Midlands Combined County Authority. The decision was made on 21/05/2026. The Cabinet also approved revised governance documents and nominated the Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency as the East Midlands Freeport Company Director.
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