Derbyshire County Council issue apology for admin blunder 

Derbyshire County Council has admitted to an administrative error after taking a major decision two days too early, forcing councillors to retake the vote.

The decision, which involves closing five adult education centres across the county, was originally made on 28 August. However, under council rules, such “key decisions” require 28 clear days’ notice to be published in the authority’s Forward Plan. The plan was published on 1 August, meaning the earliest the decision could be taken was 30 August. 

To correct the mistake, the council retook the decision on 2 September, after the notice period had properly expired.

Council officials have released the following statement apologising for the error:

"A decision to declare 5 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.

We would like to offer our apologies for this 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 5 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 5 buildings modernises and future-proofs the whole adult education service and puts us 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 our Cabinet in October to progress consultation with all stakeholders.

We have been discussing the potential closure of the buildings with employees and other users of the buildings since June. Each year the further education programme we offer varies depending on the funding we have 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 us 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 our grant agreements. Looking ahead to the 2025/2026 academic year and beyond, we remain committed to courses such as maths, English, digital skills, social care, early years and childcare."