The Derbyshire County Council meeting on Wednesday 27 May 2026 saw the election of Councillor Jodie Brown as the new Chair of the Council and Councillor Robert Reaney as Vice-Chairman. Key decisions included the formal opposition to the Peak Cluster carbon dioxide pipeline project and the adoption of a motion to keep the Peak District National Park free to access.

Reinstatement of the Peaks and Dales Railway Line

Council overwhelmingly supported the motion to publicly back 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, calls for the Cabinet to actively liaise with the project team, advocate for the scheme within regional bodies like the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), and promote awareness and engagement with local communities.

Supporters argued that reopening the line would provide a vital high-capacity, low-carbon transport solution, significantly reducing car dependency in the Peak District National Park. They highlighted the potential economic benefits, including an estimated £2 billion to £8 billion boost to the economy by 2040, a reduction of up to 4.3 million car journeys annually, and substantial carbon savings. The line's reinstatement was also seen as a way to improve connectivity for residents, support local businesses, and enable sustainable quarry freight transport.

However, some councillors raised concerns about the impact on existing recreational assets, such as the Monsal Trail, and the financial viability and practicalities of the project. Councillor Nigel Gourlay suggested that a light rail alternative from Buxton to the Monsal Trail would offer similar benefits at a fraction of the cost. Councillor Susan Hobson highlighted the popularity and economic impact of the White Peak Loop, arguing that it far outweighed the case for rail reinstatement. Concerns were also raised about the lack of clarity on funding and the potential disruption during construction.

Keeping the Peak District National Park Free to Access

A motion proposed by Councillor Alex Dale and seconded by Councillor Anne Clarke, calling for the Peak District National Park to remain free to access, was carried after an amendment was accepted. The original motion expressed opposition to any form of congestion charge, road user charging scheme, or pay-to-access scheme for the Peak District National Park.

Councillor Dale argued that introducing charges would contradict the park's founding principle of open access and would damage tourism, place financial pressure on residents already struggling with the cost of living, and be impractical to implement. He criticised the Leader of the Council, Councillor Alan Graves, for his reported support for a £1 entry charge, calling it an anti-car measure.

Councillor Graves, in response, clarified that his comments were part of a discussion about potential funding mechanisms for the park, not a formal proposal. He acknowledged the park's funding crisis, stating that its budget had fallen by approximately 40% in real terms since 2010, and argued that the council should explore all options, including voluntary contributions and philanthropic partnerships, to ensure its sustainability. The accepted amendment, proposed by Councillor Graves, strengthened the motion by calling for a proper central government settlement for the park and leaving the door open to creative, additional, voluntary funding methods, while firmly opposing any mandatory burden on visitors or local businesses.

Other Key Discussions and Decisions

• Leader's Report: Councillor Alan Graves, Leader of the Council, reported on the council's achievements over the past year, including a record £60 million investment in Derbyshire's roads, the commencement of work on a solar farm at William Thorpe, and the launch of a £311,000 fund to assist households reliant on heating oil or LPG. He also highlighted the council's efforts to attract investment and support foster carers.
• Appointment of Chairman and Vice-Chairman: Councillor Jodie Brown was elected as the new Chairman of Derbyshire County Council for 2026-2027, and Councillor Robert Reaney was appointed as Vice-Chairman.
• Committee Memberships, Schedule of Meetings, 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: Council noted the composition of the Cabinet for the ensuing year, with Councillor Graves continuing as Leader. A new portfolio for Local Government Reorganisation and Transformation was created, with Councillor Paul Parkin appointed to the role. Councillor Stephen Reed was appointed Deputy Leader.
• 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 commence her role on 27 July 2026.
• Minor Change to the Constitution: Member Pensions: Council noted a minor amendment to the Constitution to reflect that councillors are now eligible to opt into the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Elected Member Questions: Several questions were raised by elected members on various topics, including road safety, recycling centre operations, adult social care provision, and the condition of Derbyshire's roads.
• Derbyshire Community Safety Agreement: Council approved the refreshed Derbyshire Community Safety Agreement for 2025-2028.
• Pay Policy Statement 2026: Council approved the Pay Policy Statement for the financial year commencing 1 April 2026.
• Performance Monitoring and Budget Monitoring/Forecast Outturn: Council noted the update on Council Plan performance and the Revenue Budget/Forecast Outturn for 2025-26.
• Minor Change to the Constitution: D2 Strategic Leadership Board: Council noted amendments to the Constitution regarding the D2 Strategic Leadership Board.
• Peak Cluster Carbon Dioxide Pipeline: Council formally recorded its opposition, in principle, to the proposals for the Peak Cluster carbon dioxide pipeline. The motion calls for the Leader to write to relevant government ministers to set out the council's concerns, work with other councils and stakeholders, and support the local quarry and cement industry in securing government funding for emission reduction initiatives.