The Cabinet of Derbyshire Council met on Thursday, 12 March 2026, to discuss a range of important issues, including community safety, funding for employment programmes, care home fees, and the council's first biodiversity report. Other key topics included flood risk management schemes, the closure of an early excellence centre, the establishment of enhanced resource provisions for children with special educational needs, and school funding settlements. The meeting also covered performance monitoring and budget forecasts for the current financial year.

Derbyshire Community Safety Agreement: Refresh 2025-2028

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the refreshed Derbyshire Community Safety Agreement for 2025-2028. This agreement, which is an annual update, aims to highlight changes in legislation and the restructuring of community safety partnership governance. The report detailed the statutory framework for community safety partnerships, established by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, which brings together key local agencies to address community safety issues. It outlined the responsible authorities in Derbyshire, including Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Constabulary, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, District and Borough Councils, the National Probation Service, and the Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board. The Derbyshire Safer Communities Board provides strategic leadership, chaired by the Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Dawn Abbott. The agreement sets out priorities and commitments for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028, reflecting national and local priorities and legislative changes. The report noted that a review of community safety governance structures was underway with the aim of increasing accountability and strengthening support for community safety partnerships. The Cabinet was asked to refer the refreshed agreement to the Council for formal approval.

Funding from EMCCA to provide and deliver the Connect to Work Programme

A report was presented regarding the acceptance of grant funding from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to deliver part of Derbyshire's Connect to Work Programme. The programme aims to tackle 'hidden unemployment' and reduce economic inactivity, particularly among people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, and other complex barriers. The funding, up to a maximum of £3.732m until 31 March 2030, is to deliver an in-house Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) programme. This initiative complements existing supported employment programmes, such as the Disability Employment Service and Disability Employer Engagement Derbyshire (DEED). The report highlighted the benefits of delivering the programme in-house, including embedding employment support within Adult Care pathways and leveraging existing partnerships. The Connect to Work project is funded on a full cost reimbursement basis, meaning all eligible project-related costs will be fully reimbursed, resulting in no net financial cost to Derbyshire County Council, although initial project costs will need to be met from existing resources.

Care Home Fee Proposals 2026-27

The Cabinet was asked to approve proposals for care home fees for the financial year 2026-27. The report recommended an increase of 3.8% per week to the base rate paid to independent sector residential and nursing care homes. It also proposed an inflationary payment of up to 3.8% for fully funded specialist care home placements and day care placements, where providers can evidence inflationary pressures. Rates for in-house day care and residential care were proposed to increase by 3.4%. The report detailed the statutory considerations, including the Care Act 2014's duty to promote an efficient and effective market in care services, and the Public Sector Equality Duty. Engagement with the Derbyshire Care Providers Association had informed the proposals, with providers highlighting concerns about staffing costs, the national living wage increase, and the number of care home closures. The Council acknowledged workforce pressures, with a significant number of vacant posts in adult social care. The report also provided an analysis of the Derbyshire care home market, indicating good quality provision and sufficiency in the market, with self-funding rates often exceeding the cost of care.

Home Care and Day Care Fee Review 2026-27

This report sought Cabinet approval for inflationary increases to fee rates for home care and day care services from 1st April 2026. It was proposed to increase independent sector home care fee rates by an average of 3.7%, and in-house home care and extra care provision by 3.7%. An increase of up to 3.7% was also proposed for specialist home care where providers can evidence inflationary pressures. The report highlighted the Council's statutory responsibility under the Care Act 2014 to ensure a sustainable adult social care market. Engagement with the Derbyshire Home Care Association (DHCA) had identified cost pressures, with providers seeking a 15% uplift to travel and hourly rates. The Council's fee model was presented, which includes allowances for wages, national insurance, pensions, holiday pay, sickness, training, and head office costs. The report detailed the composition of the Derbyshire home care market, noting its stability and diversity following the implementation of a new framework agreement in April 2024. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings for framework providers indicated a predominantly high-quality market.

Derbyshire County Council First Biodiversity Report

The Cabinet was asked to consider and approve Derbyshire County Council's first Biodiversity Report for publication by 26 March 2026, as required by the Environment Act 2021. This report details the work undertaken by the Council to conserve and enhance biodiversity, building on the initial 'First Consideration Report' published in January 2024. The Biodiversity Duty requires public authorities to consider, agree, and deliver policies and actions to conserve and enhance biodiversity. The report outlined the Council's policies and objectives, including the Environmental Sustainability Policy, Environmental Sustainability Strategy, Council Plan 2025-29, and Derbyshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy. It detailed actions taken, such as managing countryside sites, delivering greenways, developing Derbyshire's Heartwood Community Forest, and the Million Trees programme. The report also addressed Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) obligations related to the Council's role as a Local Planning Authority for minerals, waste, and schools.

Approval of the Addition of Two Flood Risk Management Schemes into the Highways Capital Programme 2026-27

The Cabinet was asked to approve the addition of two Flood Risk Management schemes to the Highways Capital Programme for 2026-27. The first scheme, Matlock Property Flood Resilience, aims to protect seven frequently flooded properties on Mettesford and Lilybank Close in Matlock with a budget of £0.084m sourced externally from DEFRA and Local Levy. The second scheme, Ockbrook, Draycott, Breaston Natural Flood Management, aims to lower the risk of flooding to potentially 75 properties and a section of the Midland Mainline over three years, with a budget of £0.700m sourced externally from Network Rail, Grant in Aid, and Local Levy. The report outlined alternative options, including doing nothing or a minimal approach, but recommended proceeding with the proposed schemes to mitigate flood risk and engage local landowners.

Proposal to close Gamesley Early Excellence Centre

A report was presented on the outcome of the statutory proposal to close Gamesley Early Excellence Centre. The staff and children of the nursery had relocated to Gamesley Primary School in Summer 2023, operating side-by-side with shared leadership. Gamesley Primary School had also successfully applied to the Department for Education to extend its age range, ensuring continuous provision if the Early Excellence Centre closes. A four-week representation period commenced on 20 January 2026, during which no responses were received. The Headteacher reported that parents and carers were supportive of the change. The recommendation was to approve the discontinuance (closure) of Gamesley Early Excellence Centre with effect from 31 August 2026.

Report on outcome of Proposal by the Local Authority for the establishment of an Enhanced Resource Provision and SEN and Disabilities Unit at Whitfield St James CE (VC) Primary School

The Cabinet received a report on the outcome of the statutory consultation regarding the establishment of an Enhanced Resource School (ERS) Provision and a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Unit at Whitfield St James' CE (VC) Primary School. The school currently informally runs these provisions for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The consultation period, from 20 January 2026 to 16 February 2026, received three responses, all in support of the proposal. The designation would formalise the existing provision, allowing for better planning of staff training and development. While no capital funding is required as the provision is already informally in place, the report noted that children within these provisions would attract funding from the High Needs Block, increasing pressure on that block. The recommendation was to approve the designation of Whitfield St James' CE (VC) Primary School as an ERS for up to 10 children and as a SEND Unit for up to 10 children.

Central Schools Services Block Funding Settlement 2026-27

The Cabinet was asked to note the decisions of the Schools Forum regarding the allocation of the Central Schools Service Block (CSSB) for 2026-27. The CSSB provides funding for local authorities to carry out central functions on behalf of maintained schools and academies. The grant for Derbyshire for 2026-27 is summarised as £7.106m, a significant increase from £4.730m in 2025-26. This increase is attributed to the amalgamation of previous grants, including the Schools Budget Support Grant and NICs grant, into the CSSB. However, the historic commitments element, which contributes to the Early Help offer, has been reduced by 20%. The report also highlighted a significant accumulated Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit, projected to rise to £154.071m by the end of the 2026-27 financial year, primarily due to pressures in the High Needs Block. While a statutory override ring-fences this deficit from the Council's general reserves until April 2028, it impacts cash flow. The government's announcement to reimburse 90% of DSG deficits relating to the High Needs Block as at 31 March 2026 was noted, contingent on a comprehensive SEND improvement plan.

Early Years Block Funding Settlement 2026-27

This report informed Cabinet of the Early Years settlement of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and related Schools Forum decisions, seeking approval for the Early Years funding formula for 2026-27. The settlement includes an overall Early Years Block allocation of £132.886m. The report detailed proposed hourly rates for universal and extended entitlements for 3- and 4-year-olds, 2-year-olds, and under 2-year-olds, with increases proposed for most rates. It also outlined proposed formula supplements for nursery schools, PVI settings, and deprivation indicators. The report noted a change in how the DfE calculates allocations, moving to a termly census, with a contingency to mitigate potential shortfalls. The proposals were designed to meet the DfE's passporting test, ensuring a high percentage of funding is delegated to providers. The Cabinet was asked to note the national funding rates, changes to supplement funding, approve the Early Years Single Funding Formula allocations, and note the central early years budgets approved by the Schools Forum.

High Needs Block Funding Settlement 2026-27

The Cabinet was informed of the High Needs Block settlement of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and sought approval for its allocation for 2026-27. The High Needs Block supports provision for children and young people with SEND from ages 0 to 25, and Alternative Provision (AP). Derbyshire's allocation is set to increase by £6.67m, but this is due to the amalgamation of previous grants, representing a standstill cash position with no additional funding for demand factors. The report highlighted a forecast HNB overspend for 2025-26 of £48.258m, with continued growth in EHCPs. The accumulated DSG deficit is projected to reach £92.327m by March 2026, with a forecast cumulative deficit of £154.071m by the end of 2026-27. While a statutory override ring-fences the deficit, it impacts cash flow. The government's pledge to reimburse 90% of DSG deficits relating to the High Needs Block as at 31 March 2026 was noted, contingent on an approved SEND reform plan, leaving 10% of the deficit to be resolved by the Council. Proposed allocations for places and top-ups were detailed, indicating a significant increase in costs for special schools and academies.

Performance Monitoring and Budget Monitoring/Forecast Outturn 2025-26 as at Quarter 3 (31 December 2025)

This report provided Cabinet with an update on Council Plan performance and the Revenue Budget/forecast outturn for 2025-26 as at 31 December 2025. The Council was forecasting a net overspend of £0.505m against the Revenue Budget, an improvement from the £1.383m overspend forecast at Quarter 2. This improvement was attributed to the repayment of a loan that was previously in doubt. Savings delivery was reported as largely on track, but continuing demand and cost pressures in Children's and Adults Social Care services were resulting in forecast expenditure exceeding budget. The report detailed key achievements across services, including progress in foster carer recruitment, reduction in social worker caseloads, expansion of SEND placements, and a decrease in permanent exclusions. It also highlighted challenges, particularly the backlog in SEND assessments and the sufficiency of children's placements. The revenue budget forecast outturn showed a net overspend of £0.505m, with significant pressures in Children's Services, while Adult Social Care pressures had been contained. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) position showed a forecast cumulative deficit of £92.607m by 31 March 2026, with significant pressures on the High Needs Block. The report also noted the Council's reserves position and the approved Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy. Cabinet was asked to note the performance and budget position, the actions to address the overspend, and approve a virement of £2.828m from Corporate Services and Transformation to Adult Social Care and Health.