Derbyshire: Council facing tough decisions over cuts

Reductions in Government grants, inflation and greater demands on areas of the council’s budget for adult social care and vulnerable children mean it must re-think the way it delivers services.

This year alone, the council needs to save £36.7 million and the first stage of its plans – which are all subject to public consultation – include changes to the free transport policy for sixth form and pre-school children with special educational needs and 19 to 25 year-olds with a learning disability.

There are also plans to introduce a new transport policy for adult social care, including introducing a possible flat-rate charge for providing this transport.

This new policy would mean changes to the way transport is provided or arranged by the county council to day care services and other activities such as lunch clubs.

There will also be cuts to housing-related support services which helps vulnerable people manage their finances, stay safe and get out in their community, and plans to change who qualifies for funding for adult care services and changes to the financial contribution people make towards their support.

Local people will be asked for their views about the proposals following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 21st January.

If cabinet gives the go-ahead, members will also consider changes to the Homestart family support service, which was subject to an earlier consultation process.