The Cabinet of County Durham Council was scheduled to consider a range of important financial and policy matters. Key discussions were planned around the Medium Term Financial Plan, an update on Adult Social Care, and a review of the Housing Allocations Policy. The meeting also included consideration of the Corporate Peer Challenge Final Report and future partnering arrangements for Newcastle International Airport.

Medium Term Financial Plan

A significant item on the agenda was the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement for the period 2026/27 to 2029/30, forming part of the council's Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP). This report, from the Corporate Director of Resources, was designated a Key Decision. The MTFP outlines the council's financial strategy and spending plans over a four-year period, taking into account anticipated government funding and local revenue streams. The provisional settlement details the funding the council can expect from central government, which directly impacts its ability to deliver services and manage its budget. The full report can be found here: Cabinet 21.01.26 - MTFP16 Cabinet Report 21.01.2026.pdf.

Adult Social Care Update

The Cabinet was scheduled to receive an update on Adult Social Care services. This report, from the Corporate Director of Adult and Health Services, would likely cover the current state of services, any recent developments, and future plans. The agenda indicates that supporting documents include the Adult Social Care Strategy Proof, an Equality Impact Assessment, a Self Assessment, and a Service Improvement Plan for 2025-2027. These documents suggest a focus on strategic direction, fairness, and service enhancement within adult social care. The relevant reports are available here: Final Cabinet Report Adult Social Care Update 210126.pdf, Appendix 2 Adult Social Care Strategy Proof.pdf, Appendix 3 Equality Impact Assessment.pdf, Appendix 4 Self Assessment.pdf, and Appendix 5 Service Improvement Plan 2025 - 2027.pdf.

Housing Allocations Policy Review

A review of the Housing Allocations Policy was also scheduled for discussion. This report, from the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth, would address how the council prioritises and allocates social housing. The agenda lists supporting documents including the consultation version of the policy, a summary of the stage 1 consultation, and an Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA). This indicates that the review process has involved public engagement and an assessment of the policy's impact on different groups. The documents related to this item are: Housing Allocations Policy Review - Cabinet Report.pdf, Appendix 2 - Consultation Version of Housing Allocations Policy- Jan 2026.pdf, Appendix 3 - Stage 1 Consultation Summary - Housing Allocations Policy Review.pdf, and Appendix 4 - EqIA - Housing Allocations Policy Review 2025.pdf.

Corporate Peer Challenge Final Report

The Cabinet was also set to consider the Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) Final Report and Recommendations. This report, from the Chief Executive, would present findings from an independent assessment of the council's performance and effectiveness. The agenda indicates that accompanying documents include the CPC FINAL Feedback Report and the council's response to the challenge. This type of review is designed to provide constructive feedback and identify areas for improvement. The relevant documents are: CPC Final Report Recommendations - Cabinet 210126.pdf, Appendix 2 CPC FINAL Feedback Report.pdf, and Appendix 3 CPC Response V3.pdf.

Newcastle International Airport - Future Partnering Arrangements

A Key Decision was scheduled regarding future partnering arrangements for Newcastle International Airport. This report, from the Corporate Director of Resources, suggests a discussion about the council's potential involvement or relationship with the airport. The specific nature of these arrangements was to be considered in a part of the meeting not open to the public. The report is available here: Key Decision CORP/R/2025/004 (Note: The provided URL appears to be for the MTFP report, not a specific report for the airport, and the agenda does not provide a direct link for this item).

The meeting also included standard procedural items such as apologies for absence, public questions, and the confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting held on 17 December 2025, which can be viewed here: Minutes 17122025 Cabinet.pdf.