Council officers deemed that the proposed decision met the criteria of being a ‘key decision’ meaning that 28 days’ notice was required by publication in our Forward Plan. The Forward Plan was published on our website on 1 August 2025 and included this proposed decision.
However, the decision was initially made on 28 August, 2 days before the expiry of the 28 clear days’ notice period (30 August) and so the decision was taken again on 2 September, after the expiry of the notice period.
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.