Open Council Network - County Durham

New Safety Strategy & Climate Plan Approved by Durham Council

This week, the County Durham Council held several meetings. Here are the details:

County Council - Wednesday 26 June 2024
General Licensing and Registration Sub-Committee (2) - Wednesday 26 June 2024
Chief Officer Appointments Committee - Wednesday 26 June 2024
Area Planning Committee (North) - Thursday 27 June 2024
Audit Committee - Friday 28 June 2024
Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee - Friday 28 June 2024
Local Pension Board - Monday 24 June 2024
Police and Crime Panel - Thursday 27 June 2024
Pension Fund Committee - Monday 24 June 2024
Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington - Tuesday 25 June 2024
Charter Trustees for the City of Durham - Wednesday 26 June 2024

County Council

The County Council meeting on Wednesday 26 June 2024 covered several key topics:

Safe Durham Partnership Strategy: The Safe Durham Partnership presented its new strategy for 2024-2028, focusing on six key priorities: anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse and sexual violence, serious organised crime, substance misuse, exploitation, and road safety. The strategy aims to reduce crime and improve community safety across County Durham.

Publication of Councillor Addresses: The Council debated whether to continue publishing Councillors' home addresses. The original recommendation to only publish the name of the Ward or Parish and the County Division was approved, aiming to balance transparency with the safety of councillors and their families.

Economy and Enterprise Scrutiny Committee: Councillor Beaty Moist was appointed as the new Chair following the resignation of Councillor Zair.

Future Meeting Dates: The Council approved dates for future meetings, including sessions in September, October, December, January, February, and March.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee on Friday 28 June 2024 discussed several significant issues:

Climate Emergency Response Plan: The Head of Environment presented an update on the Council's Climate Emergency Response Plan, highlighting the Council's targets for reducing carbon emissions and the challenges faced, particularly in the transport sector.

Treasury Management Update: The Principal Accountant provided an update on the Treasury Management Code of Practice and Prudential Code for Capital Financing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced budget and the role of the Audit Committee in scrutinizing treasury management.

Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee

The Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee met on Friday 28 June 2024 to discuss the performance and financial management of the crematorium:

Performance: The crematorium exceeded its budgeted number of cremations, leading to an overachievement in cremation fee income.

Fees and Charges: The committee approved a two-stage increase in fees and charges to align with regional averages.

Medical Referee System: The committee discussed proposed changes to the Medical Referee system, anticipating a shift to a system of Medical Examiners as per the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.

Police and Crime Panel

The Police and Crime Panel on Thursday 27 June 2024 covered several important topics:

Right Care Right Person: The panel discussed the implementation of the initiative aimed at ensuring appropriate support for individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Quarterly Performance Report: Concerns were raised about the reported decrease in anti-social behaviour and the impact of asylum seeker dispersal on local communities. The effectiveness of CCTV and drones in tackling crime was also discussed.

Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington

The Combined Fire Authority on Tuesday 25 June 2024 approved the Community Risk Management Plan for 2024-2027, which outlines how the fire service will manage risks and work with partners to create safer communities. The Authority also approved a new Member Buddy System and decided to continue its subscription to the Local Government Association.

For more details on these meetings, you can access the full transcripts and reports through the provided links.

Major Developments Approved and Strategic Plans Unveiled: County Durham Council Updates

This week, the County Durham Council held several meetings. Here are the details:

Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 04 June 2024
County Planning Committee - Wednesday 05 June 2024
Charter Trustees for the City of Durham - Wednesday 05 June 2024
Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 06 June 2024
Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) - Thursday 06 June 2024
Standards Committee - Friday 07 June 2024
Cabinet - Tuesday 04 June 2024

County Planning Committee

The most impactful meeting this week was the County Planning Committee held on Wednesday 05 June 2024. The key agenda item was the application for the creation of a holiday and visitor accommodation site at Akrem Lodge, Staindrop Road, West Auckland. The proposal includes 104 permanent chalets and 63 pitches for touring caravans, along with amenity buildings.

The planning manager, Steven Reed, highlighted the economic benefits of the project, stating that it could generate an additional £6 million in local spending annually and create 167 jobs. Despite some concerns about traffic congestion and safety, the committee approved the application, citing significant economic benefits.

Cabinet Meeting

Another notable meeting was the Cabinet session on Tuesday 04 June 2024. The Cabinet discussed several important issues, including:

Northeast Evolution Combined Authority Borrowing Powers: The Cabinet agreed to consent to the making of regulations to provide the new mayoral combined authority with borrowing powers. This is crucial for managing the investment fund over the term of the devolution deal.
Early Help Strategy 2024-2026: The Cabinet endorsed the Early Help Strategy, which aims to support children and families in achieving their goals in a safe, happy, and healthy environment. The strategy emphasizes early intervention to prevent the escalation of needs.
Corporate Asset Management Plan Update: The Cabinet reviewed the progress of the Corporate Asset Management Plan, which aims to manage the council's extensive land and property portfolio effectively. The plan supports service delivery, economic growth, and community building.

Implications

The approval of the Akrem Lodge development is expected to boost local tourism and create jobs, contributing significantly to the local economy. The endorsement of the Early Help Strategy underscores the council's commitment to supporting vulnerable families and children. Lastly, the Corporate Asset Management Plan ensures that the council's assets are managed efficiently, supporting broader economic and social goals.