Derbyshire County Council met to discuss a range of issues, including budget revisions, appointments, and a motion opposing large-scale solar farms. The council approved revisions to the constitution, appointed an interim chief executive, and supported a motion to oppose large-scale solar farms on greenfield sites.

Tributes

The council began with tributes to Albert Keir, Honorary Freeman of Derbyshire, former Chief Fire Officer Gavin Tomlinson, Chief Fire Officer Rob Taylor, and Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent. Councillor Nick Adams, Chairman of the Council, asked members to remember the victims of the terrorist attack in Manchester with a minute's silence. Councillor Alan Graves, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, extended his sympathies to the families and victims of the attack outside Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester.

Appointment of Interim Chief Executive

The council appointed Simon Stevens as Interim Chief Executive, changing the title from Managing Director, which Councillor Graves said was more appropriate. Councillor Alex Dale, Leader of the Conservative Group, highlighted what he said was hypocrisy from the Reform administration, who had criticised the previous Managing Director's salary during the election campaign, but were now appointing a Chief Executive with a similar salary. Councillor Damien Greenhalgh said that the Labour councillors welcomed the appointment and the change in title. Councillor Ruth George, Leader of the Derbyshire Independent Group, and Councillor Gourlay also thanked Emma Alexander for her service. Councillor Graves responded that Emma Alexander had not been confirmed by Tameside on the date that Councillor Ed Fordham said that she had, and that he had not received a resignation letter from her at that point.

Opposition to Large-Scale Solar and Battery Storage

Councillor Graves proposed a motion to oppose large-scale solar farms and battery storage projects on greenfield land, arguing that they threaten food security and harm wildlife. He cited specific sites in South Derbyshire, including Oakland Farm, and expressed concern about the industrialisation of rural Derbyshire. Councillor Kinsella opposed the motion, arguing that it was ill-thought-out and not supported by experts. Councillor Dale suggested an amendment to remove the word 'South' to broaden the motion's scope to all of Derbyshire, which was accepted. Councillor Charlotte Hill supported the original motion, stating that trees were being removed from the National Forest to install a battery storage farm. Councillor Joseph Turrell argued for putting solar panels on houses and industrial estates instead of destroying the countryside. Councillor Matthew Benfield emphasised how deeply valued the countryside is to local residents. Councillor Bromley said that South Derbyshire District Council had lost all trust of the residents with the planning decisions that they have been making. Councillor Redcombe said that he did not want to see solar panels on any farmland, even if it's low-grade, as it still has a job in producing food for this nation. Councillor Carol Wood said that at the end of the term of the panels, it will never be returned back to its arable land. Councillor Rachael Hatchett said that it was a tricky question, balancing the short-term environment and the long-term environment. Councillor David Elsdon said that at some point Derbyshire will disappear under solar installations. The amended motion was approved.

Performance Monitoring and Budget Monitoring

Councillor John Lawson, Cabinet Member for Council Efficiency (DOGE), presented the performance monitoring and budget monitoring forecast outturn for 2025-26 as of Quarter 1. He reported a net overspend of £1.3 million, which he said was a better result than hoped for, but highlighted ongoing financial challenges, particularly in children's services. Councillor Major expressed concern about the lack of meetings and progress on efficiency measures. Councillor Dale raised concerns about the serious problem within children's social care and adult social care, and asked where the programme of government efficiency was. Councillor Fordham criticised the previous administration's record and questioned the changes to the climate change strategy. Councillor Gawley expressed concern about potential library closures. Councillor Stephen Reed said that the council plan wasn't due until March, April next year. Councillor Graves said that Councillor Lawson was doing a very good job. Councillor Furness said that the fact that an individual in the chamber had called them liars was liable. Councillor Lawson said that they had inherited a catastrophic period of Tory administration in this council in terms of financial management.

Revisions to the Constitution and Members Allowances Scheme

Councillor Lewis Whitbread, Chairman of Governance, Ethics and Standards Committee, presented a report on revisions to the constitution and members' allowance scheme, specifically regarding the Chairman of the Council role. The proposals included removing the Civic Chairman role and adjusting the titles and responsibilities of the Chairman and Vice Chairman. Councillor Whitbread said that the proposals were a reasonable, responsible and respectful solution to recent changes made by this administration. Councillor Graves clarified that the changes would result in an overall decrease in allowances. Councillor Gawley said that he would be voting against any rise in allowances. Councillor Reaney said that the allowances were set by an independent panel and not by them, and that they were actually saving £7,536 a year by these changes. Councillor Wood said that the introduction of these roles previously by the Conservative Administration was a complete anomaly and hadn't been seen in other places. Councillor Dale said that there are several other councils across the country who do do it that way. The vote was carried.

Revisions to the Constitution: Code of Good Practice on Corporate Governance for Statutory Officers

Councillor Whitbread presented a report seeking the council's approval on amendments to the constitution to reflect certain provisions on the Code of Good Practice for Corporate Governance for Statutory Officers. He explained that the 'golden triangle' referred to the three statutory officers responsible for the governance of the authority. Councillor Whitbread said that the key principles were referred to as the seven standards of the Golden Triangle. Councillor Fordham said that controlling groups would change the constitution every time something occurred they didn't like. Councillor Whitbread said that they were heading in the right direction and making savings. The vote was carried.

Changes to Committee Memberships

Councillor Dawn Abbott moved the report for some changes to the Reform Group's membership of committees. Councillor Gourlay asked who the Reform UK Group business leader was. Councillor Kinsella asked what censure action would result as a result of Councillor Morgan missing so many council meetings. Councillor Abbott said that Councillor Stuart Benn replaces Councillor Sarah Rini as member of the People's Scrutiny Committee. The vote was carried.

Change of Date for the Annual Meeting

Councillor Graves moved the report to change the date for the annual meeting. The motion was approved.

Honorary Alderman and Alderwoman

Councillor Graves proposed the report to consider the appointment of honorary alderman and older woman. Councillor Fordham spoke about the contributions of the individuals being put forward. Councillor Dow said that it was a good thing that they're continuing this tradition. Councillor Graves moved to the vote, and it was approved.

Public Questions

The council then moved on to public questions, with questions submitted by members of the public to various cabinet members. These questions covered topics such as climate policy, flags attached to lampposts, bus services, and the Ada Belfield Care Home in Belper.

Notice of Motions

The council considered several notices of motion, including a motion regarding opposition to large-scale solar farms and battery energy storage systems, which was approved after amendment. Due to time constraints, the remaining motions were not discussed and were carried forward to the next meeting.