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A number of budget savings proposals which if agreed could affect services we provide are to be considered further following a meeting of our Cabinet.
Following discussion at its meeting yesterday (Thursday 11 January), our Cabinet has referred the budget savings proposals to our Improvement and Scrutiny Committee – Resources, which will consider them when it meets on Monday 22 January.
The budget savings proposals, if agreed, would save millions of pounds and support the setting of a balanced budget for 2024-25.
In common with authorities across the country, we are facing budgetary pressures far greater than experienced before, due to factors beyond our control. These include dealing with higher than anticipated inflation and higher prices for fuel, energy and materials, meeting the cost of the national pay award set nationally but met locally, and the continued unprecedented increase in demand for vital adults’ and children’s social care services.
As well as a current forecast overspend for 2023-24 of £33m there is a predicted shortfall of £39.5m in our budget for the year ahead (2024-25) which has resulted in the savings proposals being put forward.
There are many stages for the proposals to go through and no decisions will be made without the appropriate engagement and consultation being held. The Improvement and Scrutiny Committee – Resources will provide feedback to Cabinet on the proposals following its meeting.
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If your property been affected by flooding this winter, you may be interested in coming along to one of the drop-in events we’re running in partnership with the Environment Agency during January and February.
The events will be an opportunity for communities to talk to local agencies about their experience, get advice and share their views as well as finding out what’s being done to help the community recover.
Residents and businesses can also find out more about the Government’s Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme, which is due to open at the end of January. Grants of up to £5,000 are being made available to help pay for resilience measures such as flood doors, barriers and pumps for properties that flooded during Storm Babet in October.
The events will be held at:
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Belper - Monday 15 January at Strutts Centre, Room 107, Derby Road, DE56 1UU - for communities in Ambergate, Belper, Duffield, Denby, Lower Kilburn, Little Eaton & surrounding areas.
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Baslow - Friday 19 January at Baslow Village Hall, Nether End, DE45 1SR - for communities in Hathersage, Grindleford, Curbar, Eyam, Stoney Middleton, Beeley, Rowsley and the surrounding area.
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Ironville - Thursday 25 January at OAP centre at Openacre, NG16 5QB - for communities in Pinxton, Pye Bridge, Jacksdale, Ironville and the surrounding areas.
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Ilkeston - Tuesday 30 January at Ilkeston Town Football Club, Awsworth Road, DE7 8JF - for communities in Langley Mill, Ilkeston and the surrounding areas.
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Castleton - Tuesday 6 February at The Peveril Centre, Buxton Road, S33 8WP - for communities in Castleton, Hope, Bradwell and the surrounding areas.
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Sawley - Friday 16 February at Sawley Memorial Hall, Draycott Road, NG10 3FR - for communities in Breaston, Long Eaton, Sandiacre and the surrounding areas.
Calling all charities, community and voluntary organisations! Did you know that grants are still available towards the cost of running Warm and Welcoming Spaces across Derbyshire this winter?
So far the county council has awarded more than £82,200 to 93 groups to help create spaces to support residents feeling lonely or struggling to heat their homes.
Organisations can still apply for up to £1,000 towards the cost of opening up new community venues or to extend their opening hours this winter.
Money can be put towards running costs, including energy bills, or for the cost of providing a drink or a bite to eat for visitors. In return, organisations need to pledge to provide a warm, safe space with comfortable seating which is free to use.
One group which has received money is Derbyshire Federation for Mental Health - set up to support Derbyshire residents struggling with mental ill health – towards the cost of running its wellbeing hubs in Matlock and Buxton offering courses, activities and training to help people maintain and manage their health and wellbeing.
Charity spokeswoman Kerry Hall said: “We offer a chance to form friendships and a warm and inviting space through the winter months. They also offer a chance to connect with like-minded people and build friendships with their peers in a safe space.”
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Three more bus services are being improved thanks to funding received from the Government.
The 61 service from Glossop to Buxton is the only route directly linking Glossop to the rest of Derbyshire. The bus will now run half hourly instead of hourly in the middle of the day from Monday to Friday. The Saturday service has also been improved with additional early morning journeys.
The 272 currently runs between Sheffield and Castleton via Hathersage and Hope. Passengers will now be able to take advantage of an additional later departure which leaves Sheffield at 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights.
And the 39 runs from Holme Hall to Grangewood via Chesterfield town centre. This service now runs to 11pm seven days a week.
Derbyshire County Council received £47m to improve bus services in the county, and these latest changes are being paid for as part of the project.
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