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A 3.99% Rise In Council Tax To Help County Council Deal With Cuts


Friday 12th February 2016


Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Councillor Anne Western, said the authority had been left with "no choice" but to increase council tax, as it prepares to enter the seventh year of Government austerity cuts to local council funding.

Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Councillor Anne Western, said the authority had been left with 'no choice' but to increase council tax, as it prepares to enter the seventh year of Government austerity cuts to local council funding.The council needs to cut services by almost £70m over the next two years on top of a £170m cut since 2010.

And at a Full Council meeting on Wednesday (10th February), councillors voted to set the authority's annual budget for the year ahead at £483 million and generate £10.6 million to help deal with the shortfall by asking residents to pay an extra 3.99% in council tax.

The increase includes an extra 2% specifically to help fund adult care services in line with guidance from central Government.

The extra 2% will raise just over £5m a year in Derbyshire - but this will still not be enough to prevent cuts to adult care services, which are facing a £13m cut this year.

Leader of Derbvyshire County Council, Councillor Anne Western said: We'd prefer not to raise council tax but we feel we have had no choice because the funding we get from Government is being rapidly cut - and the Government has made it clear that raising council tax is what it expects of all councils.Councillor Western (left), said: "We'd prefer not to raise council tax but we feel we have had no choice because the funding we get from Government is being rapidly cut - and the Government has made it clear that raising council tax is what it expects of all councils.

"We believe that the Government is still treating Derbyshire unfairly when you compare what we get to many southern counties. The Government has just announced that Derbyshire is to get an additional £1m in 2016/17, while Surrey will get £12m more, Hampshire £10m more and Hertfordshire £8m more.

"While the extra 2% for adult care will help to protect some services for elderly and vulnerable people, it doesn't bring in anywhere near the amount we would need to stop any cuts to adult social services this year."

A 3.99% increase in council tax will mean an increase of £34.77 a year - or 67p a week - for a Band B property. Most homes in Derbyshire are in Band A or B.

The extra 2% for adult care will be used to help pay for the following services:

  • Voluntary and community groups that provide the most benefit in helping older and vulnerable people to live safely and well in their own homes without relying on social care services

  • Protecting home care services which provides support to people at home so they can stay living independently for as long as possible. This service can help to reduce or prevent hospital admissions and also speed up hospital discharges

  • Services that support people with dementia and their carers

  • More use of assistive technology and specialist equipment, for example pressure pads and alarms

  • Support services for younger adults with mental health issues and learning disabilities to help them live independently, prepare for independent living or a move to supported accommodation and help them learn new skills including support into employment where appropriate.

In November last year, the county council asked residents whether they thought council tax should increase to help deal with the cuts. 852 people responded and 46% said council tax should increase by 4% or more.

Councillors also voted to cut almost £70m from the council's budget over two years and consult with the public on proposals to:

  • Close up to 32 children's centres

  • Reduce funding for community transport services from July 2016. The council will use its reserves for Dial-a-Bus and Active Travel in the short term while proposals for a new 'demand responsive' transport service are consulted on and considered

  • Cut the money available for home to school transport for pupils over 16 with learning difficulties or disabilities, under-fives and some eight to 11 year olds

  • Restructure staffing in the countryside service and look at alternative ways of running Hayfield and Tapton Lock Visitors Centres

  • Reduce the money available for Aiming High short breaks for disabled children and young people with a further proposal to consult on cutting all funding for these breaks from October 2016.

Local people can have their say on proposals for home to school transport by visiting www.derbyshire.gov.uk/schooltransport2016

Consultations on the remaining proposals are expected to start soon and all comments will be taken into account before any decisions are made.

Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor Anne Western said: "Cutting services is the last thing anyone involved in local government wants to do - these are quality services that have taken years to build up, run by skilled and dedicated staff and valued and relied upon by local people.

"But the harsh reality is that by 2020, the funding we get from Government will be more than a third lower than the amount we would need to provide services to the same level as in 2010. And we're not alone. This is a problem facing councils up and down the country. We're facing the Government's austerity cuts for the seventh year running and they're really starting to bite hard."

Measures the council has put in place to help deal with the cuts include:

  • Selling off land and buildings, reducing back office costs and significantly cutting the number of senior managers.

  • Looking for new, cheaper and more innovative ways of doing things

  • Looking at new ways of generating income by setting up a publicly-owned development company to keep investment money in Derbyshire, and solar farms to create and sell its own electricity

  • Negotiating a devolution deal with Government to help all councils in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire work with other local councils to do things better and faster together.

Councillor Western added: "We've done everything we can to keep services running while our budgets are cut back year-on-year and we’re not just sitting back and accepting the situation - we're putting measures in place to put us more in control of what Derbyshire people want to see happen in the future and less reliant on Government money, which can only be a good thing.

"But despite all of this, it isn't enough to wipe out the cuts - I'm afraid dealing with cuts on this scale isn't simply about a bit of budget trimming and doing things even more efficiently.

"Sadly, it's inevitable that more and more people will see changes to the services they use. We simply have no choice but to make cuts. If we don't balance our books then the Government would take over."

For more information visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/challenge.

A series of briefing sheets are available on the county council's website giving more information about some of the proposed cuts and consultations - go to www.derbyshire.gov.uk or see the summary below:

A full list of agreed and proposed cuts up to 2020:
Budget cuts and savings proposals identified to date 2016 - 2020

Proposals for 2016/17

Adult Care 2016/17 - £10.59m including:

Supported Living Schemes - £272,000
The county council is continuing with assessments across all its supported living schemes for people with learning disabilities, resulting in savings as some people's care packages are reduced to match the level of support they need. All assessments were carried out with the goal of ensuring people are still able to live safely and independently. (No additional consultation of Cabinet approval anticipated).

Direct Care Establishments (including residential care homes) - £1.372m
In November 2015 Cabinet approved the closure of four homes for older people, a small unit for people with learning disabilities and respite beds at a centre for older people. These closures will take place during this financial year.

Reduction of Grants to the Voluntary Sector - £1.134m
The county council is reviewing the grants it gives to make sure they are being used towards meeting the priorities set out by adult care. It is anticipated that this review will result in savings. The reviews are subject to consultation and Cabinet approval.

Housing-Related Support - up to £5.092m
Reduce funding for housing-related support services over two years. These services help vulnerable people to set up and maintain a home where they can live safely and well. Support services include helping people manage their finances, pay bills, better manage their health including drug and alcohol addictions, keep safe and develop links with the community. This cut was agreed in 2014-15.

Block Care Contracts - £400,000
Reviews are continuing with providers of services to make sure the council is only paying for services that are being delivered and ensuring all services are delivered as efficiently as possible. This is resulting in reduced payments for some services. This cut was agreed in 2014-15. (No additional consultation or Cabinet approval anticipated).

Increased Client Contributions (co-funding) - £387,000
Raise the amount people pay for council care and support to live at home was agreed by Cabinet in July 2014. This change included all clients with more than £50,000 in savings being required to pay for 100% of the cost of their care.

Staffing - £778,000
A number of restructures and reductions in the number of people which reflect the reductions in frontline services are being proposed with some already at the implementation stage, in line with corporate policies and consultation.

Fair Access to Care Services - £305,000
In June 2014 Cabinet agreed to raise the level at which adults qualify for council care from 'higher moderate' to 'substantial' level. The council is continuing reviews of people’s funding arrangements to ensure fairness and equity.

Prevention - £850,000
An increase in the use of assistive technology, equipment and staff training to increase people’s independence will reduce the costs of care.

 

Children’s Services 2016/17 - £9.390m including:

Support Service Costs - £449,000
Reduce general business support and specialised back office functions in line with reductions in front line services.

Early Help - £6.332m
Following a review of children's centres the authority will consider closing up to 32 of them. Schools will be asked to jointly invest and help deliver early help services which will provide targeted support to families that need it most.

Looked After Children - £500,000
Work with families to reduce the numbers of teenagers coming in to care and helping those who can to return home. Cutting the use of external placements will reduce costs.

Other safeguarding - £225,000
Savings in foster carers' ICT and the legal costs associated with care proceedings.

Home to school transport - £625,000
Phased removal of the authority's transport subsidy for early years pupils and those in post-16 education with special educational needs.

Disabled Children's Services - £730,000
Review the support offered to disabled children through the Derbyshire Aiming High Offer with the introduction of assessments to ensure those with the highest need receive the help they need. A separate paper will go to Cabinet looking at the Aiming High budget in more detail.

Outdoor Education - £319,000
Increase income from the council's outdoor education activities and facilities and reducing costs.

Childcare - £110,000
Review support available to young families to reduce the amount spent on developing and maintaining early years provision.

Support for Inclusion - £100,000
Reduce some support services to schools.

 

Chief Executives 2016/17 - £425,000 including:

Staffing - £143,000
Employ less people in Communications, Call Derbyshire, Policy and Research and secretarial teams. This would be achieved by not replacing people when they leave.

Publications and publicity - £105,000
Spend less on printed publications and publicity including Your Derbyshire.

Running expenses and voluntary organisations - £177,000
Reduce general running costs and grants to voluntary organisations

 

Corporate Resources 2016/17 - £3.043m including:

Administration and employee savings - £1.007m
Employ fewer people in HR, finance, property and legal services, mainly achieved by not replacing people who leave, but we may need to re-organise some services. Saving money by better use of IT in courts, cutting the budget for staff training and reducing postage costs by using a bulk mailing service.

Additional income - £396,000
Generate income by charging more for our registration services and increase charges for some areas of legal work.

IT budget - £870,000
Reduce the amount we spend on new IT projects and systems and spend less on maintaining our current IT systems

Procurement savings £445,000
As contracts for telecommunications and our IT network come up for renewal we will make savings by buying these services for less money.

Insurance reductions - £325,000
This money will be saved by accepting a higher level of insurance risk which will lower our insurance premiums.

 

Health and Communities 2016/17 - £1.250m including:

Departmental reduction in management & non-staffing budgets - £600,000
Reduce management and back-office staffing budgets which would impact on the support provided to frontline services. Disband the Health and Communities department and merge into two other departments resulting in a reduction of senior management and support services staff.

Libraries materials fund - £185,000
Reduce the budget spent on books and other library loan materials. This would result in a significant reduction in the range of materials available from libraries and also a reduction in the availability of internet resources available such as e-books and electronic reference titles.

Libraries and heritage restructure and reduced arts grants - £290,000
Restructure sections of the libraries and heritage service and reduce grants to arts groups. This will result in reduced staffing levels which will impact directly on the support available to library users and fewer community arts programmes.

Community safety project fund - £85,000
Reduce the community safety project fund budget which would impact on work with communities to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviour.

Trading standards restructure - £35,000
Restructure how the Trusted Trader scheme is administered and possibly increase the membership fee.

Community safety staffing reorganisation - £30,000
The proposal is not to fill a vacant post.

Emergency planning staffing review - £25,000
The proposal is not to fill a vacant post.

 

Economy, Transport and Environment 2016/17 - £6.110m including:

Community Transport - £860,000
Reducing funding for community transport services from August 2016 following a consultation last year. Cabinet will be asked to approve this cut on 26 January. A further proposal has been drawn-up to introduce a new 'demand responsive' service in place of community transport and bus services paid for by the council and run by bus operators on its behalf. The earliest new arrangements could be in place is October 2017.

Local bus services - £1.5m
Introduce a new 'demand responsive' service from in place of community transport and bus services paid for by the council and run by bus operators on its behalf. The earliest new arrangements could be in place is October 2017. The council is using funds from reserves to continue with most of the existing bus services it pays for until 2017.

Countryside Service - £307,000
Restructure the service and concentrate resources on those centres that are most used, Elvaston, Shipley, Middleton Top and High Peak Junction. The proposal is to close visitor centres at Hayfield and Tapton Lock unless alternative operators can be found.

Staff budget reductions - £1.333m
Reduce staff numbers in the department by up to 60 posts, achieved mainly by not replacing people when they leave, staff reorganisations, and maximising income to pay for staff costs.

Street Lighting - £390,000
Convert street lights with LED fittings which will save energy and maintenance costs.

Highway Maintenance - £1.500m
Spend less on routine highways maintenance while trying to keep roads in good condition. The council had already decided to invest £23m over three years on re-surfacing many hundreds of miles of the county’s roads. This aims to stop potholes developing in the first place. It is also looking at working in more efficient ways.

World Heritage Site - £60,000
Review the way World Heritage site services are run.

Road safety - £60,000
Review the way some road safety schemes are funded and use money from reserves to continue to pay for some schemes.

Vehicles - £100,000
Sell some council vehicles used to deliver services such as maintaining street lights and roads.

 

Proposals for 2017/18

Adult Care 2017-18 - £7.718m including:

Transport Policy - £1m
Cabinet already agreed a transport policy for adult care, and as part of this the council will re-procure the fleet, which it leases, to make sure it is using the right type and size of vehicle to meet the needs of clients. A consultation before any change is agreed is anticipated.

Cut Grants To Voluntary Sector Organisations - £1.134m
Review grants to make sure they meet the council's adult care priorities. The reviews will be subject to consultation and Cabinet approval.

Consolidate Block Contracts - £400,000
Continue review to make sure the council only pays for services that are being delivered and that all services are delivered as efficiently as possible. This is resulting in reduced payments for some services. This cut was agreed in 2014-15. (No additional consultation or Cabinet approval anticipated).

Increase Client Contributions (co-funding) - £129,000
Increase the amount people pay for council care and support to live at home. This was agreed by Cabinet in July 2014. This change included all clients with more than £50,000 in savings being required to pay for 100% of the cost of their care.

Review of Section 117 Cases
(aftercare after a Mental Health Act section) - £250,000

People who have been in hospital under certain sections of the Mental Health Act are entitled to free aftercare when they are discharged, as they must live in allocated accommodation, and receive support. This proposal is to review everyone currently living under a Section 117 to check the care and support they receive is still appropriate or whether they could live safely and well with alternative or reduced support and services.

Address Double Handling - £500,000
Double handling is the term used when two care staff care for a client at any one time. This is appropriate in situations where, for example, a client needs moving or lifting. We are reviewing our policy and procedures on double handling, as two care staff may not always be needed in certain circumstances. When we have reviewed our policy we will carry out a client review to make sure double handing is only used where it is needed. We will also look to make better use of moving, lifting and handling equipment to keep staff and clients safe.

Staffing reductions - £955,000
A number of restructures and reductions on staff numbers at all levels to reflect the reductions in frontline services are proposed up to 2020, with some already at the implementation stage. These changes are in line with corporate policies and consultation.

Increased use of assistive technology - £650,000
A range of equipment is available for people who need extra support to live at home - such as alarms and pressure pads - called assistive technology. This proposal is to review the range of equipment and how it is provided to increase the independence of clients and help to support them at home, which may result in them needing fewer services and therefore budget savings.

Reduce Spend on Learning Disability Services
to East Midlands Average - £2m
The county council currently spends more than many other local authorities on services, support and care, including residential and day services, for people with learning disabilities. The proposal is to review this spend and look at ways of reducing it, while ensuring people can still live independently, safely and well.

Demand Management - £200,000
Currently a high proportion of people who contact or are referred to adult care become clients. The proposal is to review the council's approach and look at further ways of promoting people’s independence and improving the ways the council signposts people to other services and support in their communities. This will include more targeted information and increasing support to carers.

Revised Client Contributions - £500,000
It was agreed in July 2014 to raise the amount people pay for council care and support to live at home. The rise is being introduced in phases and this will be the saving on the phased increase for 2017/18.

 

Children's Services 2017/18 - £3.771m including:

Support Service Costs - £447,000
Further reductions in back office support.

Looked After Children - £750,000
Helping children remain with their families to reduce costs.

Other safeguarding - £125,000
Further reductions in the costs of legal proceedings.

Home to school transport - £1.050m
Phased removal of the authority's transport subsidy for early years pupils and those in post-16 education with special educational needs.

Disabled Children's Services - £530,000
Savings made if changes to the support offered to disabled children through the Aiming High Offer are agreed by Cabinet.

Support for children with special educational needs - £324,000
Impact of the review to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of SEND services.

Outdoor Education - £149,000
Further reductions in the net cost of the service through reduced costs and/or increased income.

Childcare - £110,000
Full year impact of the changes due to be agreed in 2016-17.

Services for teenagers - £107,000
Reductions in the net cost of services provided to teenagers, including making some services, such as the Donut Arts Centre, self-financing.

Joint Use - £34,000
Reduction in the financial support for joint use provision which supports increased participation in sport.

Education Welfare - £25,000
Reduction in the net cost of the service through increased income from charges and/or cost savings.

School Improvement - £120,000
Increasing income from trading with schools and academies.

 

Chief Executives 2017-18 - £197,000 including:

Staffing - £41,000
See 2016/17.

Publications and publicity - £80,000
See 2016/17.

Running expenses and voluntary organisation - £76,000
See 2016/17.

 

Corporate Resources 2017-18 - £2.845m including:

Administration and employee savings - £1.032m
Employ fewer people in HR, finance, transformation, property and legal services mainly through not replacing those who leave, but we will need to carry out restructuring to make the most of our reducing resources.

Additional income - £120,000
See 2016/17.

IT budget - £200,000
Reduce the amount spent on new IT projects and systems and spend less on maintaining current IT systems.

Procurement savings £255,000
Savings from effective re-procurement of our IT network and coroner's service contracts.

Reduction in property running costs and maintenance - £1.238m
This would lead to a move to reactive rather than planned maintenance and an overall deterioration in the condition of council buildings, such as offices, libraries, homes for older people and children’s centres.

 

Health and Communities 2017-18 - £626,000m including:

Library service - £330,000
Further review of library services

Arts and archives - £109,000
Further review of arts and archive services

Community safety staffing reorganisation - £137,000
Review of the staffing structure, projects and support provided

Derbyshire Sport - £50,000
Proposal to withdraw annual funding to the Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS) - part of the Derbyshire Sport partnership. DIS was set up following the Olympic Games in 2012 to help talented local athletes achieve national and international success and boost the county's reputation.

 

Economy, Transport and Environment 2017-18 - £4.858m including:

Gold Card - £500,000
Spend less on Gold Card because fewer bus journeys will be made by Gold Card holders.

Countryside Service - £399,000
See 2016/17

Staff budget reductions - £1.334m
Reduce staff numbers in the department by up to 60 posts mainly by not replacing people when they leave, staff reorganisations, and maximising income to pay for staff costs.

Highway Maintenance - £1.650m
Spend less on routine highways maintenance but to try to keep our roads in good condition. Cabinet already decided to invest £23m over three years on re-surfacing many hundreds of miles of the county's roads. This will stop potholes developing in the first place. The county council is also looking at working in more efficient ways.

Street Lighting - £760,000
The proposal is to save £650,000 by converting street lights to LED fittings and a further £110,000 by turning off street lights on roads the council is not responsible for. We will help residents on these roads to find alternative ways of lighting their streets.

Parking services - £90,000
Introduce more efficient ways of managing the parking enforcement service.

Parking schemes - £25,000
Manage residents parking schemes more efficiently to save money.

Vehicles - £100,000
Review the way the council uses its vehicles to deliver services such as the countryside service, street lighting and road maintenance and sell vehicles it can manage without.

 

Proposals for 2018/19

Adult Care 2018-19 - £7.025m including:

Consolidate Block Contracts - £400,000
See 2017/18.

Staffing reductions - £1.125m
See 2017/18.

Increased use of assistive technology - £1.5m
See 2017/18.

Reduce Spend on Learning Disability Services
to East Midlands Average - £4m

See 2017/18.

 

Children's Services 2018/19 - £2.363m including:

Support Service Costs – £559,000
Further reductions in back office support.

Looked After Children - £750,000
Further savings by reducing the numbers of children entering care.

Home to school transport - £625,000
Removal of the authority's transport subsidy for early years pupils and those in post-16 education with special educational needs.

Outdoor Education - £297,000
Further reductions through reduced costs and/or increased income.

Services for teenagers - £107,000
Reductions in services provided to teenagers.

Education Welfare - £25,000
Increasing income from charges and/or cost savings.

 

Corporate Resources 2018-19 - £3.121m including:

Administration and employee savings - £443,000
Employ fewer people in HR, finance, transformation, property and legal services mainly by not replacing people who leave, but we will need to carry out restructuring to make the most of our reducing resources.

IT budget - £530,000
Reduce the amount spent on new IT projects and systems and spend less on maintaining current IT systems. Reduce the amount spent on IT services available to support front line services.

Insurance reductions £370,000
This money would be saved by accepting a higher level of insurance risk which will lower our insurance premiums.

Reduction in property running costs and maintenance £1.778m
This would lead to a move to reactive rather than planned maintenance and an overall deterioration in the condition of council buildings, such as offices, libraries, homes for older people and children’s centres.

 

Economy, Transport and Environment 2018-19 - £2.990m including:

Local bus services - £1,200,000
A report to be considered by Cabinet on 26th January will ask for approval to consult on proposals for demand responsive local transport services.

School crossing patrols - £300,000
Review the school crossing patrol service and work with schools and communities to look for alternative sources of funding.

Waste - £500,000
Generate income by charging people to leave rubble at the council's household waste recycling centres.

Staff budget reductions - £400,000
Reduce staff numbers in the department by up to 18 posts mainly by not replacing people when they leave, staff reorganisations, and maximising income to pay for staff costs.

Street lighting - £590,000
See 2017/18.

 

Proposals for 2019/20

Adult Care 2019-20 - £700,000 including:

Electronic Home Care Recording - £700,000
The council commissions home care from agencies and use an electronic time recording system which logs time spent with clients. It is currently looking at replacing this system for a more efficient, fully computerised system which will more accurately record this time. The result will be that we will only pay for the exact amount of time spent with a client, rather than blocks of time, resulting in a saving. The new system would also alert us quickly to a missed call.

 

Children's Services 2019/20 - £100,000:

Support Service Costs - £100,000
Further reductions in back office functions.

 

Chief Executives 2019-20 - £706,000 including:

Staffing - £706,000
Employ less people in Communications, Call Derbyshire, Policy and Research and secretarial teams by reorganising all our services.

 

Corporate Resources 2019-20 - £2.144m including:

Administration and employee savings - £869,000
Employ fewer people in HR, finance, transformation, property and legal services mainly by not replacing people who leave, but the county council will still need to carry out restructuring to make the most of its reducing resources.

IT budget - £610,000
Reduce the amount spent on new IT projects and systems and spend less on maintaining current IT systems. Reduce the amount spent on IT services available to support front line services.

Insurance reductions - £105,000
This money would be saved by accepting a higher level of insurance risk which would lower the council’s insurance premiums.

Reduction in property running costs and maintenance - £560,000
This would lead to a move to reactive rather than planned maintenance and an overall deterioration in the condition of council buildings, such as offices, libraries, homes for older people and children’s centres.

 

Economy, Transport and Environment 2019-20 - £140,000 including:

Street Lighting - £140,000
see 2016/17

 

A series of briefing sheets are available on the county council's website giving more information about some of the proposed cuts and consultations - go to www.derbyshire.gov.uk.

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

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WORK BEGINS ON NEW CYCLE LANE. COUNCIL WARNS OF TRAFFIC DELAYS -
Work to build a new cycle path in Chesterfield between Queen's Park and the train station is gathering pace. More...

CHESTERFIELD MP TOBY PERKINS 'BOXES' CLEVER -
With the help of Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins, a disappearing post box has finally reappeared almost a year after it first went missing. More...

BLOOMING BOROUGH RETAINS SILVER
GILT AWARD -

Chesterfield has retained its silver gilt award in the annual East Midlands in Bloom awards. More...

HONOUR FOR TWO FORMER BOROUGH COUNCILLORS -
Former councillors Stewart Bradford and David Stone have been made honorary aldermen of the borough in recognition of their long service to Chesterfield Borough Council. More...

NEW FUTURE PLANNED FOR
TOWN'S FORMER
CO-OP STORE -

A planning application is to be submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council seeking permission to convert the town's landmark former Co-op store for a mixed leisure and restaurant use. More...

150 JOBS AS PRINT AND PACKAGING
FIRM OPENS UP AT MARKHAM VALE -

Around 150 jobs are set to be created at Chesterfield-based inspirepac, now that the packaging and printing specialists have opened the doors to new premises at Derbyshire County Council's flagship regeneration site at Markham Vale. More...

NEW RECEPTION AND OFFICES UNVEILED
AT BRIMINGTON CREMATORIUM -

A new reception area has been opened at the Chesterfield and District Crematorium in Brimington, offering more comfortable facilities for bereaved relatives. More...

DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL BACKS SEXUAL HEALTH
WEEK -

It's Sexual Health Week and Derbyshire County Council is highlighting the range of advice and support services it offers to keep residents safe and well. More...

OVER 40 YOUNGSTERS STARTING THEIR CAREERS WITH COUNTY COUNCIL -
Over 40 new apprentices have started work at Derbyshire County Council as part of the authority's pledge to boost job opportunities for local young people. More...

CHEQUE PRESENTED HONOURING MEMORY OF ALDERMAN JIM McMANUS -
A presentation of a cheque for £1,000 has been made to Macmillian Cancer Support in memory of Alderman Jim McManus. More...

COUNCIL LEADER'S THANKS FOR LOCAL OFFERS OF HELP FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES -
Councillor Anne Western, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, has expressed her appreciation for local residents who have offered support to refugees who may start to arrive over the next few weeks. More...

FORMER COALITE SITE IN BOLSOVER SET TO BE REDEVELOPED -
Bolsover District Council has granted outline planning permission to Bolsover Land Limited to develop part of the former Coalite Smokeless Fuels site. More...

FUNERAL DETAILS ANNOUNCED FOR ALDERMAN JIM McMANUS -
It's been announced that the funeral of Alderman Jim McManus will take place on Tuesday 25th August. More...

CHESTERFIELD TO REMEMBER VJ DAY AND THE END OF WORLD WAR II -
Chesterfield residents are invited to attend a special ceremony to mark VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) and the end of the Second World War. More...

BOROUGH COUNCIL PAYS TRIBUTE TO ALDERMAN JIM McMANUS -
Chesterfield Borough Council is paying tribute to Alderman Jim McManus, who died peacefully this morning. More...

TOWER POPPIES COULD BE HEADING FOR CHESTERFIELD IN 2016 -
Part of the poppy sculpture by Chesterfield artist Paul Cummins could be heading to the town as Chesterfield Borough Council makes a bid to display the commemorative artwork next year. More...

CAR DEALER FINED FOR SELLING VEHICLE IN 'UNROADWORTHY CONDITION' -
A second-hand car dealer has been fined a total of £2,242 after selling a vehicle in an unroadworthy condition that could have caused danger of injury. More...

BOLSOVER TOWN
RE-DEVELOPMENT UPDATE -

News that Morrisons have put the Sherwood Lodge site in Bolsover on the open market for sale has been met with complete surprise by members and officers at Bolsover District Council. More...

CREMATORIUM TO HOST OPEN DAY AND SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE -
Chesterfield residents have the opportunity to look behind the scenes at their local crematorium. More...

NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE MP NATASCHA ENGEL TAKES ON NEW ROLE-
North East Derbyshire's MP Natascha Engel was yesterday (Wednesday June 3rd) elected as Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons. More...

RESIDENTS TO CHOOSE ARTWORK FOR NEW SPORTS CENTRE -
Residents can have their say choosing the artwork from the three designs selected which will grace the new Queen's Park Sports Centre. More...

COUNTY COUNCIL ANNOUNCES FREE CHILDCARE PLACES FOR TWO YEAR OLDS -
More free childcare places for the county's two year olds are to be made available to families thanks to a major investment by Derbyshire County Council. More...

NEW B_LINE SCHEME GIVEN THE GO AHEAD BY DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL -
Thousands more young people are to get help with travel costs after councillors gave the thumbs up to the new b_line scheme. More...

JOIN FOSTER CARERS FOR A CUPPA AND A CHAT -
It's Fostering Fortnight from 1st June to 14th June and Derbyshire County Council is inviting you to join social workers and foster carers for tea or coffee and cake, and an informal chat about fostering
More & Video...

COUNTY COUNCIL SUPPORTS DEMENTIA AWARENESS WEEK -
Events to raise awareness and share information about dementia will be taking place from today as Derbyshire County Council supports Dementia Awareness Week 2015. More...

CHESTERFIELD BOROUGH COUNCIL LEADER ANNOUNCES NEW CABINET -
One week after retaining control in the borough elections, Chesterfield Borough Council's leader, Councillor John Burrows, has today named his cabinet. More...

NEW TEAM TO LEAD BOLSOVER COUNCIL -
Councillor Ann Syrett has taken up the main role of Leader of Bolsover District Council, becoming the first female Leader in the Council's history. More...

COUNCILLORS COUNT ON RESIDENTS AS CHESTERFIELD CHOOSES -
It's been a busy 24 hours throughout the UK - and now the votes have been verified and counted. More & Audio...

CHESTERFIELD SEES RED IN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS -
In terms of personnel, it's business as usual for Chesterfield and NE Derbyshire's two MP's - after both Toby Perkins and Natascha Engel were returned to parliament overnight in the 2015 General Election.
More & Audio...

AND WE'RE OFF... CHESTERFIELD GOES TO THE POLLS -
Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire go to the polls today, in what’s expected nationally to be a tightly run election for both Parliamentary and local council seats. More...

PARLIAMENTARY AND COUNCIL ELECTION CANDIDATES ARE CONFIRMED -
The local Parliamentary and Council Election candidates have been announced for Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire More...

A REMINDER THAT YOUR LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IS LOOMING -
Chesterfield Borough Council is reminding residents to make sure they are registered to vote ahead of the forthcoming elections. More...

FLOODING RELIEF
FOR CHESTERFIELD RESIDENTS -

More than 60 homes in Chesterfield are set to receive work to prevent property flooding in a scheme supported by Chesterfield Borough Council. More...

£1bn OF INVESTMENT HAILED A 'GAME CHANGER' FOR CHESTERFIELD -
Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council has described the £1 billion of developments currently happening in the town as a 'real game-changer'. More...

BOROUGH COUNCIL WEBSITE HELPING TO PROMOTE NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES -
Job seekers can now get tips on how to apply for work through a link on Chesterfield Borough Council’s website More...

NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL SET FOR OFFICE RELOCATION -
April 2015 will signal the start of a brand new era for North East Derbyshire District Council as they start relocating to their new headquarters on Mill Lane in Wingerworth. More...

£4.5 MILLION IMPROVEMENT PLANS FOR BARROW HILL ESTATE -
An estate in Barrow Hill is to get a £4.5 million facelift after Chesterfield Borough Council gave the go ahead for an improvement programme. More...

TOBY PERKINS MP - "TOURISM IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR ECONOMY!" -
Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins visited Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre on Friday morning to celebrate tourism in the borough More & Audio...

GROUND-BREAKING DEAL FOR JOBS AND GROWTH SOUGHT BY COUNCIL LEADERS -
Council leaders from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and business leaders from the D2N2 LEP were in London to open discussions with Whitehall to begin to negotiate a ground-breaking devolution deal More...

CHESTERFIELD MP CONGRATULATES 3 LOCAL BUSINESSES AT THE LSE -
Three local companies have been named in a London Stock Exchange Group report, which highlighted the innovative and successful work of 1000 inspirational small businesses across the UK. More...

ROAD TO NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNTIES AT MARKHAM VALE -
Work to bring more businesses and jobs to Markham Vale regeneration site, will reach another milestone with the re-opening of Erin Road on Monday 16th March. More...

COUNCIL'S REACTION TO WELLINGTON PUB PROTECTION DECISION -
Chesterfield Borough Council has confirmed that it is adding the Wellington Hotel, New Whittington, to its list of assets of community value... More...

FUNDING FOR LOCAL GROUPS AVAILABLE FROM COUNCIL'S COMMUNITY CHEST -
Applications are currently being invited for local groups to receive funding of up to £5,000 through Chesterfield Borough Council's community chest. More...

BOROUGH COUNCIL FREEZES COUNCIL TAX FOR SECOND YEAR RUNNING -
Councillors have voted to freeze the amount of Council Tax paid by residents for services provided by Chesterfield Borough Council for the second year running. More...

COUNCIL ISSUES ADVICE ABOUT SCARLET FEVER AS CASES INCREASE -
Public health officials from Derbyshire County Council are warning parents to look out for the symptoms of scarlet fever in their children as the number of local cases increases. More...

COUNCIL TAX FREEZE FOR NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE RESIDENTS -
North East Derbyshire District Council has frozen the amount of council tax households will pay for 2015/16. More...

£69m TO BE INVESTED IN CHESTERFIELD BOROUGH COUNCIL HOMES -
A further £69 million investment is to be made in improving the condition of Chesterfield council homes. More...

LANGWITH BENEFIT CHEAT PLEADS GUILTY -
A Langwith man has been prosecuted by Bolsover District Council following an investigation into his benefit claims dating back to April 2013. More...

FLOODING RISK IN DERBYSHIRE - HAVE YOUR SAY! -
Local residents are to be asked to give their views on Derbyshire County Council's plans for coordinating the management of flood risk in Derbyshire. More...

COUNTY COUNCIL MOBILE LIBRARY SERVICES ARE BACK UP AND RUNNING -
Derbyshire County Council's revised mobile library service is now up and running with new timetables available online. More...

CHESTERFIELD FAMILY GOING TO PARLIAMENT TO TELL THEIR STORY -
On Monday 9th February, a local family from Chesterfield will get the chance to speak to politicians, charity organisers and NHS policy makers, in Parliament, about the importance of children's organ donation. More...

NE DERBYSHIRE MP QUESTIONS GOVERNMENT OVER FLOODING -
Natascha Engel, the Member of Parliament for North East Derbyshire, put a question to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in Parliament this week. More...

MINISTER FOR EDUCATION GOES 'BACK TO SCHOOL' IN STAVELEY -
Minister of State for Education, Nicky Morgan, was in Staveley on Thursday afternoon to see for herself what she termed, 'the excellent things they're doing' at Netherthorpe School. More & Audio...

BOROUGH COUNCILLORS RECOMMENDED TO FREEZE COUNCIL TAX-
Borough councillors in Chesterfield are to be recommended to freeze Chesterfield Borough Council's portion of Council Tax for a second year running. More...

COUNTY COUNCIL APPROVES PLANS TO CONSULT ON B-LINE DISCOUNT SCHEME -
Councillors have today approved plans to consult on changes to the county's student travel scheme, b_line, which could see an extra 6,000 young people in Derbyshire benefit from cut-price bus and rail journeys. More...

BOROUGH COUNCIL BRANDING IS CHANGED FOR FIRST TIME IN 40 YEARS -
New branding is being introduced to help Chesterfield Borough Council improve customer service, generate more income and save on future design costs. More...

THINK 'YOUTHINC'
FOR COUNTY YOUTH SERVICES IN DERBYSHIRE -

A new identity for all youth services offered to Derbyshire's young people was launched on Friday. More...

WINNER ANNOUNCED FOR MP's CHRISTMAS CARD DESIGN COMPETITION -
Children from a Chesterfield school have been busy with paint, glue and glitter following a challenge set by Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins to design his Christmas Card More..

CANDLELIT VIGILS SHOW SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS OF
DOMESTIC ABUSE -

Simultaneous candlelit vigils are to be held in four Derbyshire towns next week to raise awareness about domestic abuse and the support services available to victims. More...

BOROUGH COUNCIL CONFIRMS RIGHTS FOR VARIABLE HOURS WORKERS -
Chesterfield Borough Council has passed a policy which confirms that staff on variable hours contracts will continue to have the same rights as other employees. More...

LOCAL MP TOBY PERKINS JOINS 'SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY' BUS TOUR-
Local MP and Shadow Small Business Minister, Toby Perkins, lent his support to the UK's 'Small Business Saturday' bus tour on its stop in Chesterfield More...

NEDDC PUT THE RIDGEWAY CRAFT CENTRE UP FOR
SALE -

North East Derbyshire District Council has placed Ridgeway Craft Centre up for sale and is inviting expressions of interest from eligible community organisations across the District. More...

SHADOW CHANCELLOR OPENS NEW PRODUCTION LINE IN CLAY CROSS -
Shadow chancellor, Ed Balls MP and North East Derbyshire MP, Natascha Engel, officially opened Worcester Bosch Group's new gas boiler production line at the company's Clay Cross factory on Thursday 20th November. More & Audio...

DERBYSHIRE SCHOOLS ARE SUPPORTING ANTI-BULLYING WEEK -
Schools and children's homes across Derbyshire are taking part in a week of activities to beat bullying. More...

NATIONAL ADOPTION WEEK - WHAT DOES ADOPTION MEAN TO YOU? -
It's National Adoption Week from 3rd - 9th November and it's the perfect time to find out more about what it means to become an adoptive parent. More...

WORK GETS UNDERWAY AT PARKSIDE IN CHESTERFIELD -
Work is underway on a
£3 million older persons housing scheme that will provide 22 new homes
for pensioners in Chesterfield. More...

TRIBUTES PAID TO FORMER COUNTY COUNCIL CHAIRMAN WALTER BURROWS -
Tributes have been paid to Councillor Walter Burrows - who was a former Chairman of Derbyshire County Council after he passed away on Wednesday, following a short illness, aged eighty. More...

COUNTY COUNCIL EXPANDS NUISANCE CALL BLOCK PILOT SCHEME -
More older and vulnerable residents will be protected from telephone fraud after a Derbyshire County Council trial using monitoring devices found more than 80% of the calls they received were nuisance calls. More...

WORK BEGINS ON NEW PAVILION FOR HASLAND'S EASTWOOD PARK -
Chesterfield Borough Council's builders and apprentices are playing a key role in building a new pavilion at Eastwood Park. More...

NEW CHAIR TAKES UP DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL'S CHAIN OF OFFICE -
Derbyshire County Council's new chair, Cllr Steve Freeborn, has taken up the chain of office. More...

ADVICE FOR RESIDENTS AS LOCAL COUNCILS PREPARE FOR STRIKE ACTION -
Bin collections, street cleaning and leisure activities are just some of the Bolsover District Council services that will be disrupted on Tuesday 14th October 2014, as public service workers nationally take part in a one day strike. More...

WORK BEGINS ON IMPROVING OLD WHITTINGTON JUNCTION -
Work to improve a junction with a history of collisions began yesterday morning, Monday 6th October. More...

FORMER CHESTERFIELD MAYOR, CLLR PAUL STONE, JOINS UKIP -
Last years Mayor of Chesterfield, Cllr Paul Stone, has joined UKIP to become their first councillor on Chesterfield Borough Council More...

NATASCHA ENGEL MP VISITS STATE OF THE ART FACTORY IN CLAY CROSS -
North-East Derbyshire MP, Natascha Engel visited the IKO factory facility on Coney Green Road with a view to learning more about the roofing and waterproofing systems manufactured there. More...

CHESTERFIELD FIRM SHOWS ITS METTLE WITH MARKHAM VALE MOVE -
Chesterfield-based firm Gould Alloys is marking its 30th anniversary by relocating to Derbyshire County Council's flagship regeneration site to benefit from better transport links. More...

WORK BEGINS ON THE NEW QUEEN'S PARK LEISURE CENTRE -
A sod cutting ceremony has been held to mark the start of work on Chesterfield Borough Council's £9.3 million project to replace the Queen's Park Sports Centre. More...

CHESTERFIELD MP TAKES ON THE 'ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE' -
It's Chilly in Chesterfield! Toby Perkins MP takes the Ice-Bucket Challenge to Raise Money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. More...

TONY BENN: WILL & TESTAMENT - THE TOWN HALL SCREENING TOUR -
Will and Testament is a moving and informative tribute to Tony Benn - political firebrand, prolific diarist, writer, charismatic anti-war campaigner, husband and father.
More & Video...

FURTHER DEVELOPMENT IN
THE PIPELINE FOR MARKHAM VALE -

A further development could be on the cards for Derbyshire County Council's flagship regeneration site, now a planning application has been submitted for a new 100,000 sqft warehouse and office building. More...

NEW QUEEN'S PARK SPORTS CENTRE GETS £2 MILLION FUNDING BOOST -
Chesterfield residents will benefit from the enhanced new Sports Centre, to be built on Queen's Park Annexe, as Chesterfield Borough Council receives £2 million of funding from Sport England.
More & Audio...

PLANS FOR EXTENDED QUEEN'S PARK SPORTS CENTRE ARE APPROVED -
Chesterfield councillors have approved plans for a new, extended, Queen's Park Sports Centre to be built. More...

TRAFFIC DELAYS EXPECTED AS WORK STARTS ON NEW A61 CYCLE LANE -
It's been announced that work to build a new cycle lane in Chesterfield will start next Tuesday, 26th August, as part of plans to link different parts of the town together for cyclists. More...

MARKHAM VALE REGENERATION EXPANDS AFTER BRIDGE REMOVED -
One of the country's largest cranes was in Derbyshire on Tuesday to remove a bridge deck as part of plans to expand Derbyshire County Council's flagship Markham Vale regeneration site. More...

TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS AT HORNSBRIDGE ISLAND LIFTED EARLY -
Traffic restrictions at Hornsbridge Island in Chesterfield have been lifted four weeks earlier than anticipated. More...

BOROUGH COUNCIL REASSESSES OPTIONS OVER NORTHERN GATEWAY -
Plans for the Northern Gateway scheme are being reassessed by Chesterfield Borough Council to respond to the changing High Street retail sector. More...

COUNCIL'S PLEDGE
TO SOLVE CHESTERFIELD'S FLOODING ISSUES -

With perfect timing after Friday's chaos, news that this week, Yorkshire Water and Chesterfield Borough Council have pledged to work together to tackle flooding in the town, including the long running issues at Horns Bridge roundabout More...

COUNTY COUNCIL PLANS TASK FORCE TO TACKLE YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT -
Plans to tackle youth unemployment are being drawn up by Derbyshire County Council to get more young people into work, further education or training. More...

EVERYONE PITCHES IN TO MAKE 'FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL' A SUCCESS -
More than 300 people turned out to a festival of football at Holmebrook Valley Park last weekend. More...

BOROUGH COUNCIL
TO OPEN NEW INFORMATION AND BOOKING HUB -

A combined information and theatres booking hub for residents and visitors is to be launched at Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre, next to the Crooked Spire Church. More...

COUNTY COUNCIL'S TRAVEL TRAINING HELPS DERBYSHIRE'S YOUNGSTERS -
A successful travel scheme which helps Derbyshire youngsters with special educational needs get out and about in their communities could be continued. More...

'WE WILL REMEMBER THEM' FIRST WORLD WAR CENTENARY EVENTS -
Chesterfield residents can take part in a series of events at Chesterfield Museums to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War. More...

TAPTON LOCK IS VOTED ONE OF THE COUNTRY'S FINEST GREEN SPACES -
Tapton Lock, a quarter mile stretch of the Chesterfield Canal, has been named one of the country's finest green spaces, after receiving a prestigious Green Flag award. More...

UPDATE ON WORK & TRAFFIC CONTROL
AT HORNSBRIDGE ISLAND -

Traffic control measures at Hornsbridge Island will be removed earlier than planned after a review into the project. More...

STILL TIME TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON LOCAL MOBILE LIBRARY SERVICES -
Residents still have three weeks to give their views on the future of Derbyshire County Council's mobile library service in a consultation to help the authority deal with budget cuts More...

HAVE YOUR SAY ON POSSIBLE CHANGES TO STREET LIGHTS -
Derbyshire residents are being urged to make sure they have their say on possible changes to the way street lights across Derbyshire are maintained, before the consultation closes on Friday 8th August. More...

IMPROVEMENT WORK TO TAKE PLACE AT THISTLE PARK, BRIMINGTON -
Children in Brimington are set to benefit from new play equipment at their local park thanks to Chesterfield Borough Council. More...

COULD YOUR BUSINESS BENEFIT
TO THE TUNE OF £75,000? -

Small businesses in Derbyshire are being helped to develop and grow with grants of up to £75,000 - and there's still time for local firms to bid for cash. More...

'CHESTERFIELD TO BE A SUCCESS' COUNCIL CHIEF HUW BOWEN INTERVIEW -
After an ongoing ten and a half years as part of the Chesterfield Borough Council, Huw Bowen, the current Chief Executive spoke to The Chesterfield Post about his roles as part of the council and ongoing issues within The Borough. More...

CABINET DECIDES ON SITE FOR NEW QUEEN'S PARK SPORTS CENTRE -
At their meeting today (Tuesday, 15th July) Chesterfield Borough Council's cabinet decided the centre can be built on the site of Queen's Park Annexe, subject to planning permission. More...

DISRUPTION TO COUNCIL SERVICES DURING THURSDAY'S STRIKE ACTION -
There is expected to be widespread disruption to services across the area on Thursday, July 10th, as public sector workers strike over pay. More...

BOROUGH COUNCIL REFUSES NEW LICENCE FOR BAR CENTRO -
Chesterfield Borough Council's licensing committee has refused a licence for a bar previously closed because of drug dealing. More...

PLANS SUBMITTED FOR QUEEN'S PARK SPORTS CENTRE REPLACEMENT -
New plans have been submitted by Chesterfield Borough Council for the replacement Queen's Park Sports Centre. More...

A NEW FOOTBRIDGE IS TO BE OPENED AT CHESTERFIELD CANAL FESTIVAL -
A new footbridge which has been built in Staveley over Chesterfield Canal will be officially opened on Saturday 28th June. More...

TRADING STANDARDS ISSUE AN E-CIG SAFETY ALERT -
Residents in Derbyshire are being warned to be extra vigilant when charging electronic cigarettes following incidents where the devices have exploded in people's homes. More...

FLAG RAISING PARADE TO MARK ARMED FORCES DAY IS CANCELLED -
A parade planned in Chesterfield to mark Armed Forces Day on 23 June has been cancelled. More...

WORK SET TO BEGIN ON HORNSBRIDGE ISLAND -
Work is set to begin on transforming a key gateway into Chesterfield town centre after planning permission has been granted. More...

DETAILS OF FORMER COUNTY COUNCIL CHIEF EXEC'S £219k PAY OFF TO BE PUBLISHED -
Derbyshire County Council's former chief executive Nick Hodgson received a £219,211 severance payment when he left the authority last year. More...

BOLSOVER COUNCIL HARNESSES THE POWER OF THE SUN AND SAVES MONEY -
Bolsover District Council is doing its bit for the environment as they prepare to install photovoltaic cells (solar panels) onto the roof of its offices in Clowne and save over £34,000 of council taxpayers' money every year. More...

COUNTY COUNCIL'S SENIOR MANAGERS' REVIEW TO SAVE £2 MILLION -
More senior managers' jobs are to go at Derbyshire County Council as part of the organisation's drive to cut £157 million from its budget by 2018. More...

GRASSMOOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT RECEIVES OUTLINE APPROVAL -
North East Derbyshire District Council has granted outline planning permission for a maximum of 165 dwellings at Windwhistle Farm in Grassmoor. More...

LOCAL RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN 'LEGAL HIGHS' SURVEY -
A national survey that aims to gather information about the use of 'legal highs' is being supported by Derbyshire County Council.
More & Video...

NEDDC COUNCIL APPROVES REGENERATION PLANS -
North East Derbyshire District Council has approved plans to move their main administrative headquarters from Saltergate to Mill Lane, Wingerworth in early 2015. More...

CHESTERFIELD BOROUGH COUNCIL IS PRAISED BY PEERS -
An independent assessment has praised Chesterfield Borough Council for the huge commitment to the borough by both councillors and employees. More...

NEW FIGURES SHOW URGENCY OF CHESTERFIELD'S HOUSING CRISIS -
New figures, released to local MP Toby Perkins by the National House Building Council reveal that new house building in Chesterfield has fallen to just one third of the national average. More...

COUNTY COUNCIL'S CHILDREN IN CARE
TO PLAN BRIGHT FUTURES -

Young people will be able to consider their future at a Derbyshire County Council careers event hosted specifically for children in care and care leavers. More...

COURT UPHOLDS COUNCIL'S DECISION ON BAR CENTRO -
A town centre bar has been refused permission to re-open, after magistrates upheld the decision by Chesterfield Borough Council's licensing committee to revoke its licence. More...

OUTGOING NEDDC CHAIR - OVER 8,000 FOR CHARITY TO BE HAPPY! -
North East Derbyshire District Council's outgoing Chairman, Councillor Ken Savidge and generous residents from across the area, have helped raise thousands of pounds through an annual charity appeal. More...

'STILL PUNCHING ABOVE OUR WEIGHT!" Cllr JOHN BURROWS ON CHESTERFIELD -
In a wide ranging interview, Council Leader John Burrows talked to us on developments which have been mooted in the town, admitting that the financial climate and unforeseen issues had significantly impacted on the 'master plan' More...

PLANS FOR NEW QUEEN'S PARK SPORTS CENTRE ARE APPROVED -
Members of Chesterfield Borough Council's planning committee have approved plans for the new centre to be built on the site of Queen's Park Annexe, subject to planning conditions. More...

COURT SENTENCES APPLIANCE REPAIR MAN TO 160 HOURS UNPAID WORK -
An appliance repair man from Chesterfield has been ordered to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work and compensate victims, after a successful prosecution by the County Council's trading standards team. More...

ENVIRONMENTALLY FIRENDLY WAY TO DISPOSE OF YOUR FOOD WASTE -
An environmentally friendly way to dispose of food waste is being introduced for residents in the Bolsover District, Chesterfield Borough and North East Derbyshire District Council areas. More...

CHILDREN'S CENTRES REVIEW AGREED BY DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL -
Derbyshire residents will be asked how they think children's centre services should be delivered in a review to begin this month. More...

POTHOLE FIXING 'JETPATCHER' MACHINES TO STAY
IN COUNTY -

Two specialist 'Jetpatcher' machines are to stay in Derbyshire until mid-July to continue work to fix potholes across the county. More...

LOCAL MP, NATASCHA ENGEL CONTINUES
TO LEAD THE FIGHT AGAINST HS2 -

MP for NE Derbyshire, Natascha Engel, continues to campaign against the case for HS2 and demand that the Government gives more say to the people who will be directly affected by the project. More...

COUNCIL WARNING TO CHESTERFIELD RESIDENTS TO AVOID FLY TIPPING -
Chesterfield Borough Council is warning residents to make sure anyone they pay to dispose of their rubbish is licensed and does so legally. More...

MAJOR REFORMS OF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS ARE ON THE WAY -
Families whose children have special educational needs and disabilities, can have a say in how major reforms will affect them, as part of a consultation launched by Derbyshire County Council. More...

CHESTERFIELD BOROUGH COUNCIL REMINDS RESIDENTS TO CHECK FOR ID -
Chesterfield Borough Council is reminding residents to always check for ID from staff who are carrying out work on behalf of the council.
More...

WORK TO FURTHER EXPAND MARKHAM VALE IS DUE TO START -
Work to expand Derbyshire County Council's flagship regeneration site is due to start next month, after a visit to Markham Vale by Eric Pickles confirmed Government cash is in the pipeline. More...

MAKE SURE YOU
ARE READY TO VOTE IN THE EURO ELECTIONS -

Chesterfield Borough Council is reminding residents to make sure they are registered to vote in the elections to the European Parliament. More...

CRACKDOWN ON
BLUE BADGE MISUSE CONTINUES COUNTYWIDE -

A crackdown on people who are misusing Blue Badges has seen just over 700 checks carried out in four months. More..


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