County Council issues apology as decision is retaken after administrative error

A decision to declare five buildings surplus to need for Derbyshire’s Adult Education service, following reduction in government grant, was taken again yesterday, Tuesday 2 September. The original decision was made too early due to an administrative error

County Council officers deemed that the proposed decision met the criteria of being a ‘key decision’ meaning that 28 days’ notice was required by publication in the authority's Forward Plan - published on their  website on 1st August 2025 and included this proposed decision.

However, the decision was initially made on 28th August, two days before the expiry of the 28 clear days’ notice period (30th August) and so the decision was taken again on 2nd September, after the expiry of the notice period.

An apology has been offered for what has been described as an "administrative error".

The decision is in response to rapid changes to the grant conditions and reduced funding from the Government no longer supporting courses run from the centres, which means the service no longer needs the buildings. The five centres are the Ashbourne Adult Education Centre, the Derbyshire Eco Centre near Wirksworth, Community House in Long Eaton, The Ritz in Matlock and the Shirebrook Adult Education Centre.

Not running courses from these five buildings modernises and future-proofs the whole adult education service and puts the council in a similar position to other councils.

The decision has been made in the normal way and is in advance of a full review of Adult Community Education Services in Derbyshire in order to determine future delivery options. Permission will be sought from the county council’s Cabinet in October to progress consultation with all stakeholders.

The county council has been discussing the potential closure of the buildings with employees and other users of the buildings since June. Each year the further education programme offered by the council varies depending on the funding the council has received, the priorities set by the funding bodies and the local economic conditions. This means that learners are not expected to return each year to undertake the same course at the same level.  

This decision will enable the council to redirect resources more effectively to meet local needs across the county, extend opening hours at other centres, and better align with the intended outcomes of its grant agreements. Looking ahead to the 2025/2026 academic year and beyond, the council remains committed to courses such as maths, English, digital skills, social care, early years and childcare.