The Council meeting on Wednesday 15 July 2026 addressed a range of significant issues, including a substantial debate on members' allowances, the approval of updated financial regulations and council procedure rules, and a review of the council's performance and budget outturn for the previous financial year. Key decisions were made regarding the reduction of special responsibility allowances for Cabinet Support Members and the retention of the Leader of the Opposition's allowance, alongside the adoption of revised financial and procedural rules for the council.

Members' Allowances Scheme

Council considered the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) regarding members' allowances. Councillor Alan Graves, Leader of the Council, proposed a motion to accept the panel's recommendation to reduce the special responsibility allowance (SRA) for Cabinet Support Members from 18% to 6% of the Leader's allowance. He also proposed to retain the Leader of the Opposition's Allowance at 30%, rather than restoring it to the panel's recommended 45%. Councillor Graves argued that the reduction in the opposition leader's allowance was a proportionate response to the reduced size of the opposition group, and that independence should apply equally to all allowances. He also addressed accusations of fascism made by Councillor Nigel Gourlay, stating that such comparisons were inappropriate for lawful council decisions.

Councillor Wayne Major proposed an amendment to limit councillors to receiving only one SRA, citing instances where members received multiple allowances. This amendment was lost after a vote. Following extensive debate, the council voted to agree the panel's recommendations on the Cabinet Support Members' Allowance, reducing it to 6% of the Leader's Allowance, and to retain the Leader of the Opposition's Allowance at 30%.

Updated Financial Regulations

Council approved the updated Financial Regulations, which form a vital part of the Council's constitution. Councillor Lewis Whitbread, Chairman of the Governance, Ethics and Standards Committee, moved the report, highlighting that the revisions aimed to improve administrative efficiency and strengthen financial governance. The changes, detailed in section 2.6 of the covering report, had been scrutinised by the Audit Committee and the Governance, Ethics and Standards Committee. The updated regulations were approved.

Revisions to Council Constitution: Review of Council Procedure Rules

Councillor Lewis Whitbread also moved the report on revisions to the Council Procedure Rules. He explained that the review aimed to ensure procedures remained clear, effective, and efficient, formalising existing practices and improving the flow of business. Key changes included formalising deadlines for questions, introducing time limits for speeches, and clarifying the Chair's discretion to adjourn debates or extend meetings. A notable change was the inclusion of prayers as a specific agenda item, which Councillor Whitbread explained as a cultural connection rather than a religious imposition. Due to Standing Order 19.3, which requires motions to vary Standing Orders to be adjourned to the next meeting, this item was adjourned without discussion.

Governance, Ethics and Standards Committee Chairman's Report 2025/26

Councillor Lewis Whitbread presented the annual report of the Governance, Ethics and Standards Committee. He highlighted the committee's work over the past year, including oversight of gifts and hospitality, member conduct, amendments to the constitution, and reports from the Independent Remuneration Panel. He noted the high level of engagement from committee members and the constructive nature of debates. The report also outlined the committee's work programme for the upcoming year, which includes monitoring legislative changes and responding to the government's code of conduct review. The council received and noted the report.

Performance Monitoring and Budget Monitoring Outturn 2025-26

Councillor John Lawson, Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency, presented the performance and budget monitoring outturn report for the financial year ending 31 March 2026. He highlighted positive achievements, including an expanded fostering capacity with 16 new foster carers and a significant increase in the highways programme investment. Despite challenges, the council achieved a net revenue underspend of £2 million, a marked improvement from previous years. However, significant overspends were noted in Children's Services (£27.5 million) and Adult Social Care (£8.8 million), largely attributed to increased demand and inflationary pressures. The report also detailed the cumulative deficit on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), which stood at £93.3 million, and outlined government plans for phased support to address these deficits. The council approved the recommendations to accept the report.

Elected Member Questions

Several questions were raised by elected members. Councillor Gez Kinsella questioned Councillor Joss Barnes, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, about the provision of nursing care in the High Peak, and Councillor Anne Clarke, Leader of the Labour and Co-operative Group, asked about the outsourcing of the Belfield hub. Councillor Tom Snowdon questioned Councillor Carol Wood, Cabinet Member for Environment, regarding recycling centre opening hours and recycling rates. Councillor Richard Hatchett questioned Councillor Simon Mabbott, Cabinet Member for SEND and Education, about the high refusal rate for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Councillor Amy Wheelton questioned Councillor Paul Parkin, Cabinet Member for LGR and Transformation, about the financial sustainability of Local Government Reorganisation.

Notices of Motion

Four notices of motion were debated and voted upon:

• Planning Reforms and Local Democratic Oversight: Proposed by Councillor Alan Graves, this motion expressed opposition to government planning reforms that reduce local democratic oversight. It called for solidarity with district and borough councils, requested officers to maximise transparency and member engagement, and urged the Leader to write to the Secretary of State and Derbyshire MPs. The motion was carried.
• Reducing Derbyshire Road Casualties: Proposed by Councillor Gez Kinsella, this motion called for the Cabinet to roll out new 20mph limits prioritised by road safety data and community consent, supported by a communications strategy. An amendment, proposed by Councillor Matthew Benfield, was accepted to ensure decisions were made on a road-by-road basis using evidence and local knowledge, rather than a blanket approach. The amended motion was carried.
• Safeguarding Children in Relation to Puberty Blocker Trial: Proposed by Councillor Paul Maginnis, this motion expressed concerns about the NHS puberty blocker trial for children as young as 11. It called for the Leader to write to Derbyshire MPs expressing concerns and seeking assurances on safeguarding and informed consent. The motion was carried.
• Establishing Derbyshire as a Screen and Creative Industries Destination: Proposed by Councillor Sarah Reaney, this motion sought to recognise the creative industries as a priority sector for Derbyshire's economic growth. It requested the Cabinet to develop a Screen and Creative Industries plan, explore options for a coordinating function like a film office, and engage with regional partners. Councillor Wayne Major proposed an amendment to allocate £1 million from the council's underspend to a dedicated fund, which was ruled out of order. The motion was carried.

The meeting concluded at 4:43 pm.