Holding Reform’s Feet to the Fire
Since last May’s election, when Reform UK took control of Derbyshire County Council, we’ve hit the ground running as the new main opposition group.
And it hasn’t taken long for the cracks to show in Reform’s leadership (or lack thereof).
They came in with big promises. But within months, we’ve seen adult education centres closed, eight care homes shut after a sale fell through, with no serious attempt to explore alternatives, and that famous pledge of “no more £200k council bosses” quietly dropped as they appointed a new Chief Executive on £201,000.
So much for their “DOGE” approach!
Their first real test came with the budget. Before the election, it was all about “cutting your taxes.” The reality? A 4.9% Council Tax rise – just 0.09% shy of the maximum!
We put forward a fully costed Conservative alternative to ease the burden on residents. It was credible and responsible but sadly rejected. Reform had a choice. They chose higher taxes.
We’re also leading the fight to protect Glossop Household Waste Recycling Centre, which Reform have earmarked for closure. When we’ve asked the question, they’ve also refused to rule out any further tip closures around the County.
That should worry people.
The previous Conservative administration faced some of the toughest financial pressures local government has ever seen, yet we still protected frontline services like tips, libraries and school crossing patrols. So why can’t Reform? We’ll keep campaigning on this issue, because we know how important it is to residents across Derbyshire.
Beyond that, we’ve been setting the agenda where Reform have been missing in action. We’ve taken a stand against the Mayor’s proposed tourism tax, pushed back on the growing threat to our countryside from pylons, solar farms and Labour’s top-down housing targets, and consistently called out the lack of leadership from the administration.
Closer to home in South Derbyshire, we’ve been fighting to save two vital new schools at New House Farm and Infinity Park. Cllr Martyn Ford has been relentless in championing this issue and standing up for South Derbyshire families.
We’re pleased the Government has finally u-turned on New House Farm and given it the go ahead, but extremely disappointed Infinity Park has now been shelved. We’re pressing the Council to come clean on what their Plan B is, and to commit to delivering the school, come what may.
That’s what an effective opposition looks like: asking the difficult questions, challenging broken promises, and standing up for our communities.
Reform asked for the responsibility of running Derbyshire.
We’re making sure they’re held to it.
Cllr Alex Dale
Leader of the Conservative Opposition at Derbyshire County Council
