The Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Durham County Council was scheduled to discuss a range of significant topics, including updates on major programmes and projects, strategic employment sites, and a review of the housing allocations policy. The committee was also set to receive the Quarter Two 2025/26 Performance Management Report.

Major Programmes and Projects

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the overall approach and management of major capital programmes and projects delivered by the council. This included information on the role of the Place Programme Board (PPB) and the Portfolio Office (PO) in overseeing the council's portfolio of major place-based programmes and projects. The report detailed the governance framework and reporting arrangements for these projects, noting the challenging environment for project delivery due to increased inflation and borrowing costs. Despite these challenges, the council was managing an increased portfolio of projects, many of which were complex and involved multiple stakeholders. The accompanying presentation was expected to provide a summary of key project delivery issues and the measures put in place to mitigate them. The report recommended that the committee note the contents of the report and presentation.

Strategic Employment Sites Update

This report was scheduled to provide members with an update on the progress of strategic employment sites across County Durham, aimed at supporting job and wealth creation. The County Durham Vision for 2035 highlights the need to develop major employment sites to build a strong, competitive, and lower-carbon economy. The report detailed the council's role in facilitating business growth and inward investment through the local plan, the Inclusive Economic Strategy (IES), securing funding, and collaborating with partners like Durham University. It provided updates on key strategic sites including NETPark, Jade Business Park, Durham Innovation District (Aykley Heads), Forrest Park, and Integra 61, outlining their capacity for commercial development and job creation. The report also discussed the importance of supporting smaller employment locations and Business Durham's role in providing localized support. The recommendations included noting the information contained within the report.

Housing Allocations Policy Review

The committee was scheduled to comment on the draft housing allocations policy as part of the phase two consultation on the Housing Allocations Policy Review. The report outlined the Durham Key Options (DKO) Scheme, a choice-based lettings scheme operated in partnership with four key stock-holding housing partners and fifteen sub-partners. The review was prompted by the increasing demand for social housing, a decrease in available social stock, and a need to ensure the policy was fair, consistent, and prioritised those in greatest need. The report detailed the findings of the first stage of consultation, which influenced proposed changes to qualification and disqualification rules, housing need banding, and the approach to balanced and sustainable communities. The recommendations included noting the report and presentation, and sharing comments on the draft policy.

Quarter Two 2025/26 Performance Management Report

This report was scheduled to inform members of the committee about the council's progress towards achieving the strategic ambitions and objectives set out in the Council Plan 2025-30. The report, based on data available as of 30 September 2025, was structured around 'easy to read' dashboards focusing on trends, direction of travel, benchmarking, and performance against targets. It highlighted strong performance across key strategic ambitions, including Supercharging Our Economy, Building Better Communities, and Caring For Our People. Specific achievements mentioned included supporting businesses, securing inward investments, job creation, attendance at cultural venues, licensing of private rented properties, and assistance provided to households threatened with or experiencing homelessness. The committee was recommended to note the overall position and direction of travel and the actions being taken to address areas of challenge.