Cabinet will be presented with Derby City Council’s latest Annual Report when they meet on Wednesday 5 August.
The report highlights successes in the twelve months from April 2025 across the Council’s four key themes: Inclusive City, Green City, City of Growth, Vibrant City, and Connected Council.
Families and young people have seen real results from the Inclusive City ambition. The city’s Children’s Services were rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted for the second time, and the Youth Justice Service got the same level of recognition under the new HMIP framework. The Household Support Fund has helped over 16,860 households, including providing over one million meals to children in school holidays.
Strong progress has been made towards the 2035 net zero goals and Derby’s green ambitions. More than 300 homes have had support to cut their energy bills, saving 174 tonnes of carbon each year. Meanwhile, food waste collections launched in March 2025 and in three weeks over 328 tonnes of waste was diverted into renewable energy. Progress has also been made on other clean energy projects, with designs completed to double the output of the riverside Hydroelectric Plant to 850Mwh a year.
Derby’s City of Growth ambition can be seen in the jobs and investment that have been secured. Council-led support has helped create and safeguard nearly 2,000 jobs and attract £19.3 million in private sector inward investment. Schemes such as Vacant to Vibrant have also breathed new life into empty properties in the city centre. And a dedicated Skills Centre at Friar Gate Studios is providing better opportunities for young people, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
2025/26 was also the year of big reopenings as Derby’s vibrant cultural offering grew. Vaillant Live opened its doors in April and almost 78,000 visitors have watched shows there since, while the restored Derby Market Hall reopened its doors the following month. A packed programme of events supported by Derby Live, including Feste, Darley Park Weekender, and Festive Derby, brought visitors and families to the city centre.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said:
While we’re always keen to look forward, it’s also nice to look back and reflect. Looking back at the last year, I’m incredibly proud of what we as a Council and a city have been able to achieve.
Reviewing these reports is also a fantastic opportunity to recognise the work of our teams and partners in 2025/26. With our Team Derby approach we have made huge strides in supporting and improving the lives of our residents and I want to send my thanks to everyone involved.
The full report can be viewed on the Derby City Council democracy portal, alongside the papers for Cabinet meeting.