This week in Derbyshire:

Council Faces Tough Choices as Budget Savings Proposals Emerge

Derbyshire County Council is grappling with significant financial challenges, with the Resources Scrutiny Committee and the Cabinet both reviewing proposals for budget savings over the next five years. These savings are deemed necessary due to rising costs and demand for services, particularly in Children's Social Care and Adult Social Care. The council faces a projected budget gap of £37.777 million for the 2026-27 financial year alone. You can find the full details of the Cabinet meeting here and the Resources Scrutiny Committee meeting here: http://opencouncil.network/meetings/90849.

Impact on Vulnerable Residents

The proposed savings could have a direct impact on vulnerable groups. For instance, the potential closure of Glossop Household Waste Recycling Centre and a reduction in Recycling Credits are among the proposals that could affect residents' access to essential services. In Adult Social Care, a review of home care fees is underway, aiming to ensure best value and provider viability. However, changes to fee structures could indirectly affect the quality and availability of care for elderly and disabled residents.

The council is also proposing a 4.99% Council Tax increase, comprising a 2.99% general increase and a 2% increase specifically for Adult Social Care. This rise, coupled with the need for significant savings, highlights the difficult balancing act the council faces in maintaining services while managing its finances.

Key Decisions and Scrutiny

The Cabinet met on 9 January 2026 to consider these budget savings proposals, which were then referred to the Resources Scrutiny Committee for review. The committee's role is to scrutinise these proposals, ensuring that the council's financial decisions are sound and that the impact on residents is carefully considered.

The council's financial situation is further complicated by a growing deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), forecast to reach between £80 million and £85 million by March. This adds another layer of pressure to the council's overall financial planning.

Stroke Rehabilitation Services Under Review for Improved Patient Care

The Health Scrutiny Committee is set to examine a comprehensive review and improvement programme for stroke rehabilitation services across Derby and Derbyshire. The aim is to transform services to ensure better access and more equitable care for all stroke patients. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Addressing Gaps and Waiting Times

The current Integrated Community Stroke Service (ICSS) model has identified areas for improvement, including long waiting times for psychological support and inconsistent follow-up care. The proposed programme includes new investment for Early Supported Stroke Discharge (ESSD) in areas currently lacking such services, and the recruitment of a full-time Psychologist to bolster stroke-specific mental health support.

Public Feedback Shapes Improvements

Crucially, the review has incorporated extensive public engagement. Feedback gathered through events, surveys, and workshops has highlighted the need for better communication and more consistent service access across different regions. The committee will consider the findings of the Patient and Public Engagement Report as part of its deliberations.

Other Matters

Workforce Policies Undergoing Revision

The Appointments and Conditions of Service Committee is scheduled to review proposed revisions to key workforce policies. This includes an updated Attendance Management and Ill Health Capability Policy, renamed the Sickness Absence and Ill Health Capability policy. The council is looking to address the significant cost of sickness absence, estimated at £9 million, by introducing clearer triggers and review processes for managing employee absence. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Police Precept Increase Proposed

The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel will consider a proposal to increase the police precept by £15 per annum for a Band D property. This decision is part of the Police and Crime Commissioner's plan to address funding pressures and maintain front-line policing. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Pension Fund Governance and Investment Pooling

The Pensions and Investments Committee will review the Derbyshire Pension Fund's Complaints Policy and Risk Register. They will also discuss the ongoing process of Local Government Pension Scheme investment pooling, a government initiative to consolidate assets into fewer, larger investment pools. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here are the upcoming meetings in the next 7 days:

• The Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - Health are scheduled to meet on Monday 19 January 2026 to discuss stroke rehabilitation services and a food plan for Derbyshire. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Appointments and Conditions of Service Committee are scheduled to meet on Monday 19 January 2026 to discuss workforce policies. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 21 January 2026 to consider the proposed police precept. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Pensions and Investments Committee are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 21 January 2026 to discuss the Derbyshire Pension Fund. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Audit Committee are scheduled to meet on Tuesday 27 January 2026. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Health and Wellbeing Board are scheduled to meet on Thursday 29 January 2026. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Cabinet are scheduled to meet on Thursday 29 January 2026. You can see the meeting details here.

This week in Derbyshire:

Council Approves New Chief Executive Amidst Concerns Over Transparency

Derbyshire County Council met on 10 December 2025 and approved the appointment of Neil Crittenden as Chief Executive, sparking debate over the transparency of the selection process and the council's priorities. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

A New Dimension or a Lack of Transparency?

Councillor Alan Graves, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, hailed Mr. Crittenden's appointment as bringing a new dimension to the council. However, several councillors, including Councillor Alex Dale, Leader of the Conservative Group, and Councillor Ruth George, Leader of the Derbyshire Independent Group, raised concerns about declarations of interest during the interview process.

Councillor Gez Kinsella, Leader of the Green Group, criticised the performance-related pay policy for the Chief Executive as lacking detail and transparency. He said that the policy was written on the back of a fag packet and that it really lacks detail.

Protecting Waste Services During Reorganisation

The council approved a motion to protect waste and recycling services during the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process. The motion calls for a minimum standard for district and borough councils, including a minimum bin size of 240 litres and free fortnightly garden waste collections.

Councillor Ed Fordham, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, criticised the motion as not being a coordinated approach and said that it had not been checked or looked at what the cost consequences are.

Pylons, Digital IDs, and School Funding: Council Takes a Stand

The council also addressed several other key issues:

• Pylon Development: Councillors approved a motion opposing National Grid's plan to erect 50-70 metre pylons across Derbyshire, citing concerns about the impact on the countryside and communities.
• Digital ID Scheme: A motion opposing the central government's digital ID scheme was approved, with concerns raised about potential state control and erosion of civil liberties.
• School Funding: The council approved a motion concerning delays to the approval of funding for new free schools in Derbyshire, accusing the government of placing ideology over education.

Council to Honour Former Councillors

Derbyshire County Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, to conduct formal business, including a proposal to appoint Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Recognizing Eminent Service

The council is scheduled to consider a proposal to confer the title of Honorary Alderman or Alderwoman on several former councillors, including David Allen, Barry Bingham, Jean Innes, Barry Lewis, Ron Mihaly, Robert Parkinson and Simon Spencer.

The Local Government Act 1972 enables a principal council to confer the title of honorary aldermen or honorary alderwomen on persons who have, in the opinion of the Council rendered eminent service as past members.

Resources Scrutiny Committee to Discuss Budget and Talent Strategy

The Resources Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss the preparation of the 2026/27 budget, the council's talent strategy, and the local government reform timeline and process. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Budget Pressures and Consultation

The committee was scheduled to discuss the preparation of the council's revenue budget for 2026/27, noting that the council's budget for 2025/26 was set against a backdrop of continuing significant budget pressures caused by inflation and rising demand for services.

The report pack detailed a proposed timetable for the 2026-27 budget preparation, including consultation with stakeholders.

Talent Strategy and Apprenticeships

The Resources Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to receive an update on the council's talent strategy, following a previous meeting in September. The update covered progress in launching new apprenticeships in September 2026 and recruiting external apprentices.

The report pack noted that Derbyshire County Council is subject to the Apprenticeship Levy, a government initiative requiring employers with a pay bill over £3 million to contribute 0.5% of their total national insurance pay bill into a digital account for apprenticeship training.

Other Matters

• The Recruitment Panel met on Monday 08 December 2025 to appoint a chair and conduct interviews for the position of Interim Chief Executive. You can see the meeting details here.

This week in Derbyshire:

Home to School Transport Changes Could Hit Low-Income Families

Derbyshire County Council is proposing changes to its Home to School Transport Policy that could disproportionately affect low-income families and those with children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The cabinet approved a public consultation on the proposed changes at its meeting on 4 December 2025, but the potential impact on vulnerable families is raising concerns. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Spare Seat Charges and Pick-Up Points Spark Worry

The proposed changes include revising spare seat charges for children not eligible for free school transport, introducing pick-up points for specialised transport arrangements, and changing the qualifying criteria for Extended Rights for Low-Income Families. These changes could mean:

• Increased costs for families who rely on spare seats for their children to get to school.
• Longer travel times and less convenient pick-up locations for children with SEND.
• Reduced eligibility for free transport for low-income families.

The council claims that the changes are necessary to modernise the policy and ensure that it is financially sustainable. However, critics argue that the changes could create additional barriers for vulnerable families and undermine the council's commitment to supporting children's education.

Consultation Needed to Address Concerns

The council is encouraging residents to participate in the public consultation to share their views on the proposed changes. It is crucial that the council listens to the concerns of families and takes steps to mitigate any negative impacts on vulnerable groups.

Pension Fund Investments Under Scrutiny Amidst Economic Uncertainty

The Derbyshire Pension Fund's investment strategy is under review as the Pensions and Investments Committee considers the impact of global economic uncertainty and government requirements. The committee met on 3 December 2025 to discuss the fund's asset allocation, investment activity, and long-term performance. You can find the full details of the meeting here. No video was provided.

Cautious Approach to Equity Markets

Anthony Fletcher, the Fund's independent external advisor, expressed caution on equity markets, particularly global sustainable equities, due to valuation concerns. This cautious approach reflects the ongoing economic uncertainty and the need to protect the fund's assets.

Changes to Funding Strategy Statement

The committee was scheduled to consider the Fund's draft updated Funding Strategy Statement, which sets out the funding policies adopted, the methodology for determining actuarial assumptions, and the time horizons considered for each category of employer. The updated statement includes several changes, such as:

• The target funding level may be set greater than 100% as a buffer against future adverse experience.
• Increased likelihoods of success for all categories of employer, recognising increased uncertainty in the funding environment.
• The stabilisation approach extended to Town and Parish councils and to Further Education Colleges.

These changes aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of the pension fund and protect the retirement savings of its members.

South Derbyshire Growth Zone Faces Funding Gap Despite Approval of Land Purchase

Derbyshire County Council is pushing ahead with the South Derbyshire Growth Zone (SDGZ) project, approving a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to acquire land for enabling infrastructure. However, the project faces a significant funding gap of £19.24 million, raising questions about its financial viability. The cabinet approved proceeding with the CPO at its meeting on 4 December 2025. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Government Grant and Developer Contributions Fall Short

The SDGZ scheme requires a total budget of £77.04 million, with a provisional Government grant of £49.6 million and a minimum £6 million local contribution from developers. The remaining £19.24 million funding gap raises concerns about the project's ability to deliver the promised housing and commercial development.

Council Confident in Finding Solutions

Despite the funding gap, the council expressed confidence that genuine options exist to make the project fundable, based on discussions with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and other key stakeholders. However, the lack of a concrete plan to address the funding gap raises questions about the project's future.

Other Matters

• The Audit Committee met on 2 December 2025 to discuss the council's risk management, budget, and audit reports. You can see the meeting details here. No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

Here are the upcoming meetings in the next 7 days:

• The Recruitment Panel are scheduled to meet on Monday 08 December 2025 to appoint a chair and conduct interviews for the position of Interim Chief Executive. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Council are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 10 December 2025 to discuss the appointment of a new chief executive, revisions to standing orders, and budget monitoring. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Council are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 10 December 2025 to consider the appointment of honorary aldermen and alderwomen. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - Resources are scheduled to meet on Thursday 11 December 2025 to discuss the 2026/27 budget, the council's talent strategy, and the local government reform timeline. You can see the meeting details here.

This week in Derbyshire:

Council Pushes Ahead with Single Authority Plan Despite Limited Agreement

Derbyshire County Council is moving forward with its proposal to create a single unitary authority for the whole of Derby and Derbyshire, despite acknowledging limited agreement from key stakeholders during public engagement. The Cabinet is scheduled to formally approve the plan at its meeting on 27 November 2025, paving the way for submission to the government by 28 November 2025. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Uniting Derbyshire : Savings or Service Disruption?

The council argues that a single authority, dubbed Uniting Derbyshire , would streamline services and save money, estimating £98.8 million in benefits after five years and £45.1 million annually thereafter. They claim that creating two unitary councils would cost an additional £80.5 million.

However, the report pack also acknowledges significant concern amongst respondents about splitting the county into multiple authorities .

The council warns that splitting up key services like adult social care, children's services, and public health could lead to:

• Disrupted care and inconsistent eligibility for vulnerable adults.
• Fractured safeguarding and referral pathways for children.
• Loss of expertise and instability in planning and housing.
• Disrupted data systems and funding disparities in public health.

No Public Consultation Planned

Notably, the council states that there is no requirement for formal consultation with the public and key stakeholders at this stage, with any consultation to be undertaken by the government. This lack of direct public input has drawn criticism from some quarters, who argue that such a significant change should involve more local engagement.

Councillor Alan Graves, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, has previously stated that the single authority plan is the right move to secure the council's financial future.

Health Committee to Discuss Intermediate Care Changes and Ambulance Response Times

The Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - Health met on Monday 24 November 2025 to discuss proposed changes to intermediate care services and receive an update from the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS). You can find the full details of the meeting here. No video was provided.

Home First Approach to Intermediate Care

The committee was scheduled to consider a report outlining a Case for Change in intermediate care services, which aim to provide short-term rehabilitation and reablement services to help people recover and regain independence. The vision is based on a Home First approach, with the goal of enabling more people to return home after hospital and receive care in their own homes.

The drivers for change include:

• Capacity issues due to an ageing population.
• Inconsistent care across different areas.
• Workforce challenges.
• The need to improve value for money.

A listening exercise is planned to gather public views on the proposed changes, with specific questions focusing on the vision for intermediate care and how to improve services.

EMAS Update on Response Times

The committee was also scheduled to receive an update from Craig Whyles, Divisional Director (Derbyshire) of EMAS, on efforts to improve category 2 (CAT2) response times. The presentation slides indicated that EMAS is focusing on patient safety, recruitment, and collaboration with other healthcare providers.

Other Matters

• The Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - Health were scheduled to discuss their work programme for the coming months, with potential topics including learning disabilities, fertility review, stroke rehabilitation, and mental health crisis support.

Upcoming Meetings

Here are the upcoming meetings in the next 7 days:

• The Regulatory - Planning Committee are scheduled to meet on Monday 01 December 2025. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Audit Committee are scheduled to meet on Tuesday 02 December 2025 to discuss the council's risk management, budget, and audit reports. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Pensions and Investments Committee are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 03 December 2025 to discuss the Derbyshire Pension Fund's actuarial valuation, performance, and risk management. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Cabinet are scheduled to meet on Thursday 04 December 2025 to discuss budget preparations, regeneration projects, and proposed consultations on education and library services. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Council are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 10 December 2025. You can see the meeting details here.
• The Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - Resources are scheduled to meet on Thursday 11 December 2025. You can see the meeting details here.