Executive summary

This Progress Report provides information on the delivery of the Peak District National Park Authority Plan (Decile 3: 01 Apr 24 – 30 Sept 24).

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

There has been significant change to our political landscape following the general election on 4th July. The United Kingdom voted in a new Government which has just completed its first 100 days in office, with relevant announcements including reform of the water sector, initiating a rapid review of the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) and the Protected Landscapes Targets and Outcomes Framework (PLTOF). National Parks are still operating with a significant amount of financial uncertainty as the next financial year (25/26) grant amount has yet to be disclosed. We expect further budgetary information and updates on policy direction in the new year.

The Authority has performed well against objectives and actions in the first six months of Year 2 of the Authority Plan. The planning team has maintained its performance above national standards over a rolling two year period and the work to address the enforcement back log is progressing well. Our enforcement work has also seen the launch of a new reporting portal and a number of high profile case outcomes. The team successfully stopped illegal mineral extraction at a former quarry on Longstone Edge and saw unauthorised development removed at Cressbrook Dale.

Maintaining the rights of way network continues to be challenging with funding inappropriate to tackle the scale of the work. Additional one off funding from FiPL and Defra have enabled access improvement projects across a number of locations in this first half of the year, supported by the mobilisation of our Access team at short notice. The Authority is also making good progress within its asset portfolio including the launch of the co-working space in Aldern House, completion of Pump Farm capital project and the continual improvement to our car park infrastructure, pay and display opportunities and parking enforcement.

We have continued to invest in our People offering, seeing a further reduction in our gender pay gap. We continue to take positive steps to rebalance the average age of staff with the Training Academy contributing by increasing the number of under 30-year-old employees. As part of the work to further enhance our volunteer offering, a central pool has been created which seeks to bring harmony to the way the Authority interacts and utilises volunteer resources which have traditionally been separated across PPCV and MFFP.

Commercial income generated in the first six months is slightly below budget. The medium-term financial plan is under regular review and, as previously mentioned, we await information on the amount of core grant funding. The Governance Working Group continues to review a number of areas of governance and improve information provided to Members. Member discussions at the October Business Planning Workshop have been very helpful as the Authority develops delivery plans for Year 3 (25/26).

Phil Mulligan Chief Executive