The Cabinet of North East Derbyshire Council met on Thursday, 20 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the adoption of the People Strategy 2024, updates on the Council Plan Objectives, and the North East Derbyshire UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Cabinet also approved the revised Risk Management Strategy 2024 and endorsed amendments to the Adaptations Policy for Council-owned homes.

People Strategy 2024

The Cabinet approved the draft People Strategy 2024, which aims to develop the Council's employees to achieve the overarching objectives of the Council Plan. The strategy embodies a ‘One Team’ approach and includes detailed action plans with timelines, resources, and performance measures. The decision was made to provide a positive employee experience and attract, develop, and retain talented and loyal people at all levels within the organisation.

Council Plan Objectives - Update January to March 2024

An update was provided on the progress against the four Council Plan objectives for the period ending 31 March 2024. These objectives focus on making the Council a great place that cares for the environment, a great place to work, a great place to live well, and a great place to access good public services. The Cabinet noted the progress and welcomed the involvement of all four Scrutiny Committees in gauging performance against these objectives.

North East Derbyshire UK Shared Prosperity Fund - Update

The Cabinet received an update on the implementation of the North East Derbyshire UK Shared Prosperity Fund Programme. The report highlighted the Council's continued delivery of the Investment Plan across eleven Investment Areas, with no immediate concerns about underspends by the fund's closure date in March 2025. The Cabinet expressed gratitude to the officers for their work in progressing the Investment Plan.

Risk Management Strategy 2024

The Cabinet approved the revised Risk Management Strategy 2024 and its Action Plan. The strategy was revised following a comprehensive external assessment, which rated the Council highly, especially in Culture and Leadership. The amendments aim to better explain the changing risk environment and update the Action Plan for continual improvement. The decision reflects the Council's commitment to maintaining a formal and systemic approach to Risk Management.

Adaptations Policy

The Cabinet endorsed an amendment to the Adaptations Policy for Council-owned homes. The amendment follows a court decision in 2020, which stated that Disabled Facilities Grant for local authority housing tenants should be considered on the same basis as those in other tenures. This change will result in more adaptations being completed without requiring applicants to move into already adapted properties. The decision aligns the policy with legislation and case law.

Decision on the Shirland and Higham Parish Neighbourhood Plan

The Cabinet considered the proposed Shirland and Higham Parish Neighbourhood Plan, which had been reviewed by an Independent Examiner. The Examiner recommended specific modifications, which the Cabinet agreed to adopt. The plan will now proceed to a referendum, and if more than 50% vote in favour, the Managing Director will formally 'make' the plan. This decision ensures the plan meets the Basic Conditions and other legal requirements.