The Derbyshire County Council meeting on 25 March 2026 saw councillors approve the council's budget for the upcoming year, including a 3.9% increase in Council Tax, and discuss significant concerns regarding the proposed Peak Cluster carbon dioxide pipeline. Councillors also debated and ultimately approved changes to the members' allowance scheme, including a reduction in the Special Responsibility Allowance for the Leader of the Opposition.

Council Tax Increase and Budget Approval

Derbyshire County Council has approved its Revenue Budget for 2026-27, which includes a 3.9% increase in Council Tax. The total Council Tax requirement has been set at £458,437,341. This decision was made following a lengthy debate and several amendments, with the final motion being carried by a majority vote. The budget aims to address service pressures, particularly in Children's and Adult Social Care, while also incorporating savings measures. Despite a forecast overspend of £0.505m for the current financial year, the council's reserves are considered adequate to manage this.

Opposition to Peak Cluster Carbon Dioxide Pipeline

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the proposed Peak Cluster carbon dioxide pipeline. Councillor Ruth George, Leader of the Derbyshire Independent Group, presented a motion expressing opposition to the project due to safety concerns, potential environmental damage, and the impact on farming communities and local infrastructure. Councillor George highlighted the risks associated with pressurised carbon dioxide pipelines, particularly in low-lying areas, and the lack of a complete regulatory framework before construction is due to begin. The motion, which calls for the council to formally record its opposition and write to government ministers, was supported by many councillors who echoed concerns about safety, environmental impact, and the use of taxpayer money. However, some councillors, including Councillor Griffiths, argued that carbon capture technology is essential for the local economy and for reducing CO2 emissions, and that the pipeline adheres to existing safety standards. Despite these differing views, the motion was ultimately carried, with the council resolving to oppose the pipeline in principle and to convey its concerns to the government.

Changes to Members' Allowances Scheme

Councillors debated and voted on proposed changes to the members' allowance scheme, as recommended by the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP). The IRP recommended that basic allowances increase in line with the average pay award for council staff, while Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) should remain frozen. However, an amendment was proposed and subsequently approved to reduce the SRA for the Leader of the Main Opposition Group from 45% to 30% of the Leader of the Council's allowance. This change, along with the transfer of savings to the member community leadership scheme, was met with considerable debate, with many councillors from opposition groups arguing it was a politically motivated attack on the opposition. Ultimately, the amendment to reduce the opposition leader's allowance was lost, but the overall motion to approve the revised scheme, including the reduction, was carried.

Other Key Discussions

• Derbyshire Community Safety Agreement: Councillors approved the refreshed Derbyshire Community Safety Agreement for 2025-2028, which outlines shared priorities and joint working arrangements for reducing crime and disorder.
• Pay Policy Statement: The council approved its Pay Policy Statement for 2026, which sets out policies on pay for senior employees and the lowest paid staff, maintaining a pay multiple of 6.1:1.
• Performance and Budget Monitoring: Councillors received an update on the council's performance and budget monitoring for Quarter 3 of 2025-26. While overall savings delivery is on track, significant pressures remain in Children's and Adult Social Care services, contributing to a forecast overspend of £0.505m. The report also highlighted a substantial deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), with the council awaiting government support to address historic deficits.
• Change to Committee Memberships: Minor changes to committee memberships were approved to reflect political balance within the council.
• Minor Change to the Constitution: Councillors noted a minor change to the Constitution regarding the terms of reference for the D2 Strategic Leadership Board.
• Urgent Decisions: Councillors were informed of key decisions taken as a matter of urgency, where standard notice periods could not be met, including the acceptance of National Bus Fare Cap Grant funding and the receipt of Local Youth Transformation Fund grant funding.
• Elected Member Questions: A range of questions were raised by elected members on various topics, including the proposed closure of Glossop Household Waste Recycling Centre, the September guarantee for 16 and 17-year-old school leavers, pension fund investments, road maintenance, care home occupancy, and the status of footpath modifications.

The meeting also included a moment of silence to remember former County Councillor Steve Lismore, who passed away tragically.