The Constitution of County Durham Council met on Wednesday 20 May 2026 to discuss the Council's governing document. The report pack provided to attendees outlined the structure and operation of the Council, including its aims, decision-making processes, and the rights and responsibilities of both councillors and citizens.

The Council's Constitution

The meeting was scheduled to review the Council's Constitution, a comprehensive document that outlines how Durham County Council operates, how decisions are made, and the procedures followed to ensure efficiency, transparency, and accountability. The Constitution is divided into several parts, detailing the Articles of the Council, the allocation of responsibilities, rules of procedure, and codes of conduct.

The report pack detailed the Council's aims, which are structured around three strategic ambitions: More and better jobs, Long and independent lives, and Connected communities. It also explained the Council's structure as a unitary authority responsible for providing a wide range of public services across County Durham.

The Constitution itself is divided into 12 articles, with further detailed procedures and codes of practice provided in separate rules and protocols. Key areas covered within the Constitution include:

• Part 1: Summary and Explanation: Outlining the aims of the Council, its structure, how it operates, its staff, and citizens' rights.
• Part 2: Articles of the Council: Detailing the fundamental rules governing the Council's business, including the composition, rights, and duties of Members, the functions of the Full Council and the Executive, and overview and scrutiny arrangements.
• Part 3: Allocation of Responsibilities: This section is further divided into:
  • Part 3A: Matters Reserved to the Council and Terms of Reference and Delegation of Duties to Committees & Sub-Committees of the Council: This outlines the specific responsibilities reserved for the Full Council and the terms of reference for various committees, including regulatory bodies and overview and scrutiny committees.
  • Part 3B: Terms of Reference and Delegation of Duties to the Cabinet and Portfolio Holders: This details the responsibilities of the Cabinet and individual Portfolio Holders.
  • Part 3C: Delegations to Officers: This outlines the specific functions delegated to various Chief Officers and Heads of Service.
• Part 4: Rules of Procedure: This encompasses various procedural rules, including:
  • Part 4A: Council Procedure Rules: Governing the conduct of Council meetings.
  • Part 4B: Access to Information Procedure Rules: Detailing public access to information and meetings.
  • Part 4C: Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules: Outlining the process for developing and amending the Council's budget and policy framework.
  • Part 4D: Executive Procedure Rules: Governing the operation of the Executive.
  • Part 4E: Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules: Detailing the procedures for overview and scrutiny committees.
  • Part 4F: Financial Procedure Rules: Setting out the rules for managing the Council's finances.
  • Part 4G: Contract Procedure Rules: Governing the process for entering into contracts.
  • Part 4H: Officer Employment Procedure Rules: Detailing procedures for the recruitment, appointment, and dismissal of officers.
• Part 5: Codes and Protocols: This includes various codes of conduct and protocols, such as the Code of Conduct for Members, the Protocol on Member Officer Relations, and codes of practice for dealing with planning and licensing matters.
• Part 6: Members Allowances Scheme: This outlines the allowances payable to Members for carrying out their duties.

The report pack also included a glossary of terms used within the Constitution to aid understanding. The Director of Legal and Democratic Services has delegated authority to make certain changes to the Constitution to reflect decisions of the Council, legislative changes, and to correct inaccuracies.