29th January County Council meeting to discuss plan refresh as commitment to reforming services for Derbyshire

Cabinet members will be asked to approve Derbyshire County Council’s revised Council Plan at a meeting next week (29th January 2026) as a ‘pragmatic and no-nonsense approach to local government’.

The simpler, easy-to-understand Plan outlines the authority’s vision and the outcomes it seeks to achieve, with a focus on prioritising core statutory services, cutting bureaucracy and maximising efficiency.

Councillor Alan Graves, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “We’re committed to reforming services for Derbyshire. We’ve taken the opportunity to look closely at what the council does to make sure it reflects our priorities and values. We’re building on what works well, while bringing in new ideas where change is needed.

“This revised Plan sets out a clear direction for Derbyshire County Council and the difference we want to make for local people.

“It reflects our ambition to make Derbyshire a place where people can thrive, communities are strong, and businesses prosper.”

Key priorities in the draft Plan include:

• Faster, more efficient road repairs and fewer potholes
• Managing the council’s finances well to achieve budget savings.
• Transforming the council into a more streamlined, efficient organisation
• Boosting the economy, working with the East Midlands Combined County Authority
• Prioritising SEND services, improving timeliness, capacity, and outcomes
• Giving children the best start in life and helping families early so they can thriv
• Working with partners to improve care services while helping residents who receive support to improve their independence
• Helping people to tackle the biggest health risks – smoking, drinking, poor diet, and lack of exercise.
• Improving Derbyshire’s natural environment and heritage.

The draft plan takes account of challenges ahead, including rising costs, growing demand for services, and funding constraints. It is underpinned by a renewed focus on using resources wisely, putting emphasis on outcomes, and concentrating on the council’s statutory responsibilities.

Councillor Graves added: “Our focus is on Derbyshire – protecting local interests and the countryside, supporting our economy, strengthening communities and working efficiently to deliver the services that matter most to people.

“As well as prioritising core statutory services, cutting bureaucracy and maximising efficiency, we’re prioritising delivery of services that people rely on with a particular focus on priority areas. These include continuing to improve the condition of roads across Derbyshire and working with partners to improve services for children with special educational needs and disabilities, with a focus on improving timeliness, capacity, and outcomes. We will also focus on prevention and early intervention to reduce long term demand on our services, protect vulnerable residents from harm, fraud, and exploitation, support carers, and promote independence wherever possible.

“Together with residents and local partners, we will build a secure and prosperous future for Derbyshire – grounded in common sense, fairness, and local control.”

If the draft Plan is agreed by Cabinet, it will be referred to Full Council for approval on 11th February.

Subject to these approvals, the draft Plan would become effective from April 2026 and cover the period through to 2029. But if local government reorganisation goes ahead as planned, we expect that the new unitary council or councils for Derby and Derbyshire will have new Council Plans when they are formed on 1st April 2028.

These will replace the existing Council Plans of all Derby and Derbyshire local authorities at that time.