The Durham County Council meeting on 15 July 2026 addressed a range of significant issues, including the adoption of an interim policy for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and proposed changes to planning and highways decision-making processes. The council also discussed the Treasury Management Outturn Report for 2025/26 and heard questions from the public regarding kinship care and traffic safety in Leadgate.

Interim Policy on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) Adopted

The council formally adopted an interim policy aimed at managing the increase in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) outside of the existing Durham City Article 4 areas. This policy, developed in response to resident concerns about over-concentration, impact on residential amenity, and the character of local communities, will require planning permission for new HMO developments in these areas. The policy introduces stricter thresholds, including a 1 in 10 rule for HMOs on a street and a 10% tipping point within a 100-metre radius, alongside requirements for management plans and improved amenity standards. The decision to adopt the policy followed a public consultation, which indicated broad support for stronger controls, though some respondents raised concerns about the policy's scope and the data used to identify existing HMOs.

Changes to Planning and Highways Decision-Making Approved

In response to the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, the council approved significant changes to its decision-making processes for planning and highways matters. This includes the amalgamation of the existing four Planning Committees and the Highways Committee into a single Planning and Highways Committee. The new committee will have 11 members and will meet monthly for planning matters and quarterly for highways matters, reducing the total number of committee meetings by 36 per year. These changes are mandated by new regulations expected to come into force by 31 October 2026 and are intended to improve efficiency, strategic alignment, and achieve operational savings. While the changes were largely accepted as necessary to comply with legislation, several councillors expressed concerns about the reduction in local democratic oversight and the potential impact on residents' ability to influence planning decisions.

Treasury Management Outturn Report 2025/26 Noted

The council noted the Treasury Management Outturn Report for 2025/26, which detailed the council's financial position regarding borrowing and investments. The report indicated that the council's net debt had increased by approximately £38 million to £398.223 million by 31 March 2026. The council maintained compliance with its Treasury Management Strategy and Prudential Code indicators throughout the year. Councillor Tom Redmond, Chair of the Audit Committee, highlighted the council's adherence to its policies and the importance of effective stewardship of public money.

Public Questions Addressed

Kinship Care and Council Tax: Councillor Cathy Hunt, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People's Services, responded to a question from Mr Charlton regarding council tax exemptions for kinship carers. Councillor Hunt acknowledged the vital role of kinship carers and outlined the existing support provided, including financial assistance and access to services. She explained that introducing a discretionary council tax exemption for kinship carers, similar to foster carers, would have significant cost implications, necessitating service reductions or increased charges elsewhere. The council's current approach focuses on targeted financial assistance and services, and policies are kept under review. The council is also aware of government pilot programmes and will continue to lobby for national support.

Traffic Safety in Leadgate: Councillor Tim McGuinness, Portfolio Holder for Rural, Farming and Transport, addressed concerns raised by Mr Crowell regarding traffic safety and pedestrian access at Leadgate. Councillor McGuinness confirmed the council's commitment to maintaining safe highways and detailed the inspection and repair processes in place. He explained that investigations into restricting heavy goods vehicles had concluded that such measures would have wider network impacts and were not considered appropriate. Similarly, requests to extend speed limits were assessed against national guidance and found to have no evidential basis for change. Councillor McGuinness stated that decisions are based on objective assessments and professional judgment, and while residents' views are valued, the council must prioritise road safety and network management. He agreed to meet with Councillor Foote-Wood to discuss the reasons behind the council's position.

Other Business

• Leader's Report: Councillor Andrew Husband, Leader of the Council, reflected on the significance of the meeting being the last to be held at County Hall, acknowledging its historical importance and the unity of purpose among those who had served there. He also promoted the ongoing Durham Brass Festival.
• Petitions: No petitions were received for consideration.
• Report from the Cabinet: The council noted a report detailing issues considered by the Cabinet on 1 July 2026.
• Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26: The council noted the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025/26, with Councillor John Cook, former Chair of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Management Board, highlighting the function's role in supporting the council's transition and financial sustainability.
• Motions on Notice: A motion moved by Councillor Cathy Hunt, urging the government to widen eligibility for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme to include children from low-income working families, was unanimously agreed. A motion to extend the meeting time was lost.
• Questions from Members: Two questions were asked by councillors. Councillor Chris Foote-Wood inquired about traffic concerns in Leadgate, and Councillor Mark Wilkes questioned the appropriateness of council-submitted land for housing development as part of the County Durham Plan review.