Executive summary

This Progress Report provides information on the delivery of the Peak District National Park Authority Plan (Decile 4: 1 October 24 – 31 March 25).

This is an overview of the Authority's progress for Year 2 at turn of year.

The financial uncertainty faced by the reduction in core grant funding continued to loom during the second part of the 24/25 year. The Authority is legally required to set a balanced budget and ideally have a Medium-Term Financial Forecast (MTFF) that is balanced over a five-year period. Increasing costs over this year including NI contributions, insurance, IT providers and audit costs lead the Authority to make further organisational changes to ensure the Authority can deliver its statutory functions whilst retaining the ability to respond to future opportunities when they arise. This unfortunately meant a significant reduction and stopping of some projects and delivery programmes. These decisions have been very difficult, the one-year funding settlement confirmed by Defra for 25/26 included an 8.2% reduction in funding, however we were able to approve a balanced budget at the March Authority 2025/26 by using our reserves.

I am however, pleased to report that at the turn of year (24/25) we are meeting most of our enabling delivery aim targets. These capture the key elements of the National Park Authority’s own essential business. Planning development management performance is excelling and the Local Plan review is moving towards a preferred plan which is encouraging. The cultural heritage team delivered a successful Derbyshire Archaeology Day in the second half of the year which showcased a selection of projects from across the county. The Access team continue to focus on maintenance and enhancement of priority access routes but this continues to be challenging due to funding and further deterioration of condition is expected due to increasing severe weather events and increased usage from visitors. The Authority has undertaken its three-yearly re-assessment for its IIP award. The response rate to the survey in December was 62% and the independent assessor has conducted a number of interviews with a selection of staff, volunteers and Members. We await the outcome of the review. Objective E, Assets is indicating amber for the last half of Year 2. This is due to minor delays associated with the Asset Management Plan. However, this service has continued throughout the year to successfully deliver, manage and plan the income generating areas of the Authority.

The Authority continues to experience significant challenges that requires change. What we do is vital for the nation and valued by millions. There are future opportunities for us to bring more resources into the organisation and the Authority is full of amazing colleagues. Our enabling delivery work is invaluable, and I am confident that we have a great team that can succeed as we move forward into Year 3 of the plan.

Phil Mulligan Chief Executive