The Derbyshire County Council meeting on Wednesday 27 May 2026 saw the election of a new Chair and Vice-Chair, and addressed significant issues including the future of the Peaks and Dales railway line and the funding of the Peak District National Park. Key decisions were made regarding the reinstatement of the railway and a commitment to keeping the National Park free to access, while also highlighting its funding challenges.

Reinstatement of the Peaks and Dales Railway Line

Council debated and ultimately voted to support the reinstatement of the Peaks and Dales railway line between Matlock and Buxton. The motion, proposed by Councillor Melandra Smith and seconded by Councillor David Harvey, highlighted the potential economic and environmental benefits of reconnecting the line. Supporters argued it would reduce car dependency in the Peak District National Park, cut carbon emissions, and boost the regional economy, with projected economic benefits between £2 billion and £8 billion by 2040. The project is estimated to require the reinstatement of 11.5 miles of track, reconnecting a 50-mile corridor.

However, concerns were raised by several councillors, including Councillor Nigel Gourlay, Councillor Susan Hobson, and Councillor Martyn Ford. They questioned the financial viability, the impact on existing recreational assets like the Monsal Trail, and the potential for increased traffic congestion at the proposed station hubs. Councillor Hobson specifically noted that the White Peak Loop, a popular traffic-free route, already serves hundreds of thousands of users annually and argued that safeguarding this asset should be prioritised. Councillor Dale also expressed reservations, questioning the practicality of the scheme and suggesting that residents in the affected areas had not been adequately consulted.

Despite these concerns, the motion was carried, with Council resolving to publicly support the reinstatement, request the Cabinet to liaise with the project team, advocate for the scheme regionally and nationally, and promote awareness among local communities.

Keeping the Peak District National Park Free to Access

A significant debate also took place regarding the future accessibility and funding of the Peak District National Park. Councillor Alex Dale proposed a motion to reaffirm the park's founding principle of being open and accessible to all, and to oppose any form of pay-to-enter or congestion charging scheme. This motion was amended and subsequently carried.

The amendment, proposed by Councillor Paul Parkin and seconded by Councillor Graves, highlighted the severe reduction in the Peak District National Park's funding, which has fallen by approximately 40% in real terms since 2010. This has led to cuts in essential services, including park rangers, and has placed increasing pressure on the Authority's ability to fulfil its duties. The amendment called on His Majesty's Government to provide adequate funding and urged the Leader of Derbyshire County Council to write to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the East Midlands Mayor to address this funding shortfall.

Councillor Alan Graves, the Leader of the Council, clarified his previous comments regarding a potential £1 charge for entering the park, stating that it was part of a discussion about funding options and not a formal proposal. He emphasised his belief that the park should remain free to access but stressed the need for sustainable funding solutions, given the significant budget cuts. Councillor Dale, while agreeing with the principle of free access, criticised the Council's approach to funding and suggested that other local authorities and government departments have also faced financial challenges and adapted.

The amended motion was carried, with Council resolving to celebrate the park's 75th anniversary, reaffirm its commitment to free access, oppose any pay-to-enter schemes, and call for adequate government funding to address the park's financial challenges.

Other Key Discussions and Decisions

• Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman: Councillor Jodie Brown was elected as the new Chairman of Derbyshire County Council for 2026-2027, taking over from Councillor Nick Adams. Councillor Robert Reaney was elected as the Vice-Chairman.
• Leader's Report: Councillor Alan Graves, Leader of the Council, provided an update on the council's work over the past year, highlighting achievements in road improvements, energy development with a new solar farm at Williamthorpe, support for vulnerable residents with rising fuel costs, investment initiatives through the Invest in Derbyshire team, and recognition of foster carers.
• Committee Memberships and Outside Body Appointments: Council approved the committee memberships, schedule of meetings, and appointments to outside bodies for the 2026-27 municipal year.
• Notification of Portfolio Holders and Cabinet Membership: The composition of the Cabinet for the ensuing year was noted, and amendments to the Constitution regarding Cabinet delegations were approved.
• Appointment of Executive Director of Children's Services: Council noted the appointment of Jenny Lingrell as the new Executive Director of Children's Services, who will take up her statutory responsibilities from 27 July 2026. Tributes were paid to the outgoing interim Executive Director, Alison Noble.
• Minor Change to the Constitution: Member Pensions: Council noted updates to the Members' Allowances Scheme to reflect that councillors are now eligible to opt into the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) from 11 May 2026.
• Elected Member Questions: Several questions were raised by elected members on various topics, including road safety and the implementation of 20mph zones, the methodology for assessing the need for pedestrian crossings, recycling centre opening hours, provision of nursing care in the High Peak, and the signalisation of the Mill Lane junction in Wingerworth.
• Derbyshire Community Safety Agreement: Council approved the refreshed Derbyshire Community Safety Agreement for 2025-2028.
• Pay Policy Statement 2026: The Pay Policy Statement for the financial year commencing 1 April 2026 was approved and will be published on the Council's website.
• Performance and Budget Monitoring: Council noted the update on Council Plan performance and the Revenue Budget/Forecast Outturn for 2025-26 as at 31 December 2025.
• Minor Change to the Constitution: D2 Strategic Leadership Board: Council noted changes to the Constitution regarding the terms of reference for the D2 Strategic Leadership Board.
• Decisions Taken as a Matter of Urgency: Council noted key decisions taken under special urgency provisions and urgent decisions where the call-in procedure was waived.
• Notice of Motion - Peak Cluster Pipeline: Council formally recorded its opposition, in principle, to the proposals for the carbon dioxide pipeline as part of the Peak Cluster project. Council resolved to request the Leader to write to relevant government ministers outlining concerns, work with other councils and stakeholders, and support the local quarry and cement industry in securing funding for low-carbon methods. This decision prioritised resident safety, farmland protection, and the preservation of Derbyshire's natural heritage.