The Council meeting on Wednesday 15 July 2026 addressed a range of significant issues, including a contentious debate on members' allowances, an update on the council's financial performance, and the adoption of new procedural rules. Key decisions were made regarding the reduction of Cabinet Support Member allowances and the retention of the Leader of the Opposition's allowance at 30%. The council also approved updated financial regulations and a new set of council procedure rules, while noting the annual report from the Governance, Ethics and Standards Committee.

Members' Allowances Scheme

The council debated and made decisions on the Members' Allowances Scheme, following a review by the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP). Councillor Alan Graves, Leader of the Council, proposed a motion that recommended noting the IRP's report, agreeing to decrease the Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) for Cabinet Support Members from 18% to 6% of the Leader's allowance, and importantly, not agreeing to the IRP's recommendation to restore the Leader of the Main Opposition Group's allowance from 30% to 45% of the Leader's allowance. Councillor Graves argued that the allowance should reflect the current size of the opposition group, which had reduced since the May 2025 elections. He also addressed public comparisons of the decision to fascism, deeming them inappropriate.

An amendment proposed by Councillor Wayne Major to limit councillors to claiming only one SRA was debated but ultimately lost. Following further discussion, the council voted to approve Councillor Graves's motion, thereby decreasing the Cabinet Support Member allowance and keeping the Leader of the Opposition's allowance at 30%.

Updated Financial Regulations

Councillor Lewis Whitbread, Chair of the Governance, Ethics and Standards Committee, presented a report on updated Financial Regulations. He highlighted that these regulations are a vital part of the Council's constitution, essential for maintaining financial control and ensuring legality. The proposed changes, detailed in red within the document, aim to improve administrative efficiency and strengthen financial governance. The regulations had undergone scrutiny by the Audit Committee and the Governance, Ethics and Standards Committee. The council voted to approve the updated Financial Regulations for inclusion in the Constitution.

Revisions to Council Constitution: Review of Council Procedure Rules

Councillor Lewis Whitbread also introduced a report on proposed revisions to the Council Procedure Rules, which govern how council business is conducted. He explained that the review aimed to ensure procedures remain clear, effective, and efficient, formalising existing practices and introducing changes such as clearer deadlines for questions, revised speaking times, and the chair's discretion to adjourn debates for amendment consideration. However, due to a specific standing order (19.3), any motion to vary the Council Procedure Rules must be adjourned to the next ordinary meeting. Therefore, despite the debate, the proposed amendments could not be agreed at this meeting and were adjourned.

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

Councillor Lewis Whitbread presented the Annual Report of the Governance, Ethics and Standards Committee for 2025/26. He highlighted the committee's work over the year, including regular reviews of gifts and hospitality, member conduct, and induction processes, as well as addressing constitutional amendments and reports from the Independent Remuneration Panel. He noted the high level of engagement from members and the constructive nature of debates. The report also outlined the committee's work programme for the upcoming year, which includes continued review of the Constitution, oversight of complaints processes, and monitoring legislative changes. The council resolved to receive and note this report.

Performance Monitoring and Budget Monitoring Outturn 2025-26 as at Quarter 4

Councillor John Lawson, Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency, presented the outturn report for the financial year 2025-26. He highlighted a net underspend of £2.009 million against the total revenue budget of £794.018 million, a significant improvement from previous years' overspends. Positive performance was noted in areas such as expanded fostering capacity, increased highways investment, and business support. However, significant challenges remain, particularly in Children's Services, which reported an overspend of nearly £27.5 million, and Adult Social Care, with an overspend of over £8.8 million, largely due to demand and inflationary pressures. The report also detailed the cumulative deficit on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) of £93.308 million, with an update on government support phases for SEND deficits. The council approved the carry forward of Flexible Capital Receipts totalling £25.195 million for transformation projects and noted the budget outturn, DSG deficit, reserve positions, and budget virements.

Elected Member Questions

Several questions were raised by elected members. Councillor Gez Kinsella questioned Councillor Joss Barnes about the outsourcing of the Belfield hub, specifically asking if the cafe and community spaces were included in the plans. Councillor Barnes confirmed they were part of the schedule with the supplier. Councillor Kinsella also questioned Councillor John Lawson about the council tax rise and government funding for SEND, care homes, and potholes, to which Councillor Lawson explained the necessity of the tax rise due to rising costs and inadequate central government funding. Councillor Rachael Hatchett questioned Councillor Simon Mabbott regarding SEND provision, highlighting high refusal rates for EHCP assessments and tribunal overturns. Councillor Wheelton questioned Councillor Paul Parkin about the financial sustainability of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) following the fair funding review.

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 and called for the council to stand in solidarity with district and borough councils, request officers to maximise transparency and member involvement, provide public guidance, and write to the Secretary of State and Derbyshire MPs to demand the restoration of meaningful member involvement. The motion was carried.
• Reducing Derbyshire Road Casualties: Proposed by Councillor Gez Kinsella, this motion called for Cabinet to roll out new 20mph limits prioritised by road safety data and community support, and to run a communications strategy. An amendment, proposed by Councillor Matthew Benfield, was accepted to ensure the rollout was on a road-by-road basis, in line with current policies, and informed by local traffic conditions and community support. 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, particularly regarding the recruitment of children as young as 11. It called for the Leader to write to Derbyshire MPs seeking assurances on safeguarding and informed consent, and asking if they supported a pause on recruitment. The motion was carried.
• Establishing Derbyshire as a Screen and Creative Industries Destination: Proposed by Councillor Sarah Reaney, this motion recognised the creative industries as a priority sector for regeneration and economic growth. It requested Cabinet to develop a Screen and Creative Industries plan, explore options for a coordinating function like a film office, forge partnerships with educational institutions, engage regional and national bodies, and consider delivery options for council-linked creative ventures. An amendment to allocate £1 million from the council's underspend to support the plan was discussed but ultimately not pursued as a formal amendment due to constitutional advice. The motion was carried.

The meeting concluded at 5:56 pm.