Archive: September 2023. This report describes a forecast and measures announced at the time.

On 21 September 2023, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet approved cost controls in response to a forecast £46 million overspend for the 2023–24 financial year, according to Press Association reporting by Callum Parke.

The measures included a recruitment freeze with exceptions for essential roles, less overtime and agency staffing, postponement of projects still being planned, and delays to unsigned contracts. Non-essential travel, training and conferences were also restricted, with repairs to council buildings limited to health and safety needs.

The council cited inflation, demand for adult and children’s services and the expected staff pay award among the pressures. Council leader Barry Lewis described the situation as difficult and said at the time that the council was not bankrupt.