A38 Road Expansion “stopped” following resident’s legal objection on Climate Change grounds.
On the 18th March 2021, the High Court confirmed that the Secretary of State for Transport (Grant Shapps) conceded that the decision to approve the A38 road expansion scheme was “unlawful” and, […]
Becketwell Performance Venue: subsidy could require 1.5% Council Tax increase
Early in 2020, with the Assembly Rooms refurbishment plan in tatters, St James Securities (SJS)- the developer of Becketwell, presented the Council with an offer it couldn’t refuse; to build a modern, […]
Derventio Housing’s “cash machine” raises further questions for the Regulator. Will they take legal action?
In a previous article “Derventio Housing’s housing benefit ‘cash machine’ now funds 3 Directors on nearly £100k salary each” I highlighted the large salaries paid to the directors of Derventio Housing. An […]
Rough Sleepers, Homelessness gives Derby Food4Thought
According to Derby City Council’s official Rough Sleeper Count – there were 6 people sleeping on the streets at the end of November 2020 – down from 14 a year earlier. If […]
Despite Cllr Barker’s “personal interest” in the Market Hall project, there is still dithering and lack of vision
During the 11th November 2020 Cabinet meeting, Cllr Mick Barker, belatedly declared an interest in the Market Hall refurbishment project; he was advised to do so by the Council’s Legal Officer. He […]
Council plans to use Adult Social care money to pay for Free School Meals. Is this legal?
There are 2 elements to the Council Tax increase for 2021/22: Core tax which can be increased by up to a maximum of 1.99% ( without a referendum) Adult Social Care (ASC) […]
True Spirit of Christmas: Council Neighbourhood Team’s week of “Cheer”
Normally at Christmas, in Derby, there would be events in December to bring together the elderly, vulnerable and isolated, so they could share a full Dinner with all the trimmings, Santa, a […]
Chellaston Cllr McCristal’s Facebook rant results in Tory Party Officer’s resignation
On the 9th December 2020. Cllr Ross McCristal ( Conservative Councillor for Chellaston) took to Facebook to make a lengthy post, levelling accusations against his fellow Chellaston Cllr Phil Ingall (Independent). The […]
Council’s Financial reserves plummeting!
Since the Tories took control of the Council in May 2018, the usable revenue financial reserves level has rapidly declined despite an increase in overall funding. The budget paper to be presented […]
Council’s Assembly Rooms demolition plans in ruins
Following the Tories’ failed manifesto promise to refurbish the Assembly Rooms, their next plan was to accept the offer from St James Securities to build a New Performance venue in the Becketwell […]
Council’s Neighbourhood Team plans “Christmas Cheer” for 850+ of Derby’s elderly, lonely and isolated
In previous years, many of Derby’s wards arranged Christmas dinner events for 30-70 elderly, lonely and isolated people in the City. In the current Covid climate these are not possible. So, rather […]
Derby City Council recognises the Independence of the Republic of Artsakh (Արցախ) (Nagorno-Karabakh)
On November 25th 2020, Derby City Council unanimously passed a resolution to formally recognise the Independence of the Republic of Artsakh ( Nagorno-Karabakh). The 1st City in the United Kingdom to pass […]
Market Hall transformation: Council needs at least another £15m to complete it.
The Market Hall in Derby is a great asset for the City Centre. Built in 1866, it is a Grade II listed building. By 2017 it needed significant roof repairs, and work […]
2 out of 3 children in Derbyshire live with untreated mental health conditions
In Derby and Derbyshire there are 179,000 children. It is estimated that 23,000 have a diagnosable mental health condition. Only 30-35% of these children have access to any Mental Health service. “Children […]
£100k of Tax Payer’s money to confirm Cllr Poulter’s non-preference over Local Government re-organisation?
The Government is set to issue its White Paper on Local Government reform with the intention of reducing the number of Councils, improving accountability and saving money. Whilst the details have not […]
Mackworth residents threatened with eviction as they are not vulnerable enough.
The 7 residents at Park View flats in Mackworth are on the verge of eviction. The arrangement, led by the new owners, Henley Investment Management Ltd, need them out, as they are […]
86% in favour of new electoral cycle; Tory Administration not so keen!
In November 2016, Ex-Leader, Ranjit Banwait, tried to secure a vote to change the Council’s electoral Cycle to “whole council elections”. It failed, not because it was a bad idea…but because it […]
Ex-Derby Telegraph editor advising Tory Council on Communications. Who approved it, and is it Value for Money?
When the Council contracts with the ex-editor of the Derby Telegraph ( Steve Hall) for communications consultancy, then that is a matter of public interest. When public money is spent on a […]
Adam Cavell – well connected “new private landlord” – questions raised for future Derby tenants
Students at Severns Rental Agency’s Radford Mill “luxury student accommodation” in Nottingham are complaining. Apart from the flats not living up to expectations, facilities being delayed, and coloured running water, the Agency […]
Godwin Developments want £2.2 million for a car park – but no student flats!
John Forkin, Managing Director at Marketing Derby heralded the award of Godwin’s Agard Street Planning Application by saying: “We are delighted with the approval as we have worked closely with Godwin Developments […]
