Derby ‘on the up’ as council hails investment drive and regeneration progress
City leaders say millions in funding for services and regeneration are “turning a corner” for Derby
Derby is “on the up” courtesy of a wide range of investments that are helping “turn a corner” in the city, its leader has said.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield made the claim as she hailed her Labour cabinet’s teamwork on Derby City Council over the past 12 months at the authority’s annual general meeting (AGM).
The Sinfin and Osmaston councillor said the Labour group were building a city “where people feel safe, connected and proud of where they live”.
The approved budget proposals earlier this year saw the Labour administration invest in front line services including public safety, bulky waste collections, climate change and improved SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision.
The council says millions of investment is also being pumped into city centre regeneration with the Market Place plans, building on changes at Becketwell and improving Derby’s flood defences around Derwent Street.
Cllr Peatfield said: “We are progressing as a city and things are moving at pace.
“We’ve had investment, we have opportunity and national recognition in terms of Team Derby and EMCCA East Midlands Combined Country Authority is putting us on the map.”
Cllr Peatfield said she attended a huge investment conference in Leeds where she was showcasing Derby “to the world”. The aim was to promote Derby as a leading destination for investment, innovation and development.
She said: “I’ve just come back from UKREiiF UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum which we were talking excitingly and passionately about Derby.
“We are really on the up, our finances are secure and we have invested in front line services. Things are really turning a corner and people are going to start seeing the difference this year on their doorstep.”
However, the council’s budget proposals, which saw a 4.99 per cent increase in council tax bills, were criticised earlier this year by opposition councillors.
Conservative group leader Steve Hassall said: “Residents are being asked to pay more while receiving no assurance that vital services will actually improve.“
Reform Derby leader Tim Prosser had also expressed concerns at the meeting about the amount of people not able to pay council tax in the city. He said people “regularly go into the food banks”.
The Labour led council has increased its council tax support offer.
Changes made to the scheme allow some households – which are granted support – to pay as little as 20 per cent towards their yearly council tax bill.
The AGM also saw changes to the make-up of the council’s cabinet. Cllr Paul Hezelgrave has stepped down as deputy leader but stays on the leadership team being responsible for children, young people and skills.
Cllr Shiraz Khan takes on the deputy leader role alongside his current position as cabinet member for Housing, Strategic Planning and Regulatory Services.
Cllr Sarah Chambers is now cabinet member for cost of living, equalities and communities.
Hardyal Dhindsa is now cabinet member for finance and governance after Kathy Kozlowski stepped down from the role. Cllr Dhindsa will also continue to take a lead on the council’s digital services.
Ndukwe Onuoha remains cabinet member for Streetpride with the addition of Public Safety and Leisure.
Normanton councillor Gurkiran Kaur has been appointed to the council cabinet for the first time and will be in charge of city centre, culture and tourism.