The County Council meeting on 22 October 2025 saw the approval of the new Council Plan for 2025-2030, which outlines the council's ambitions and priorities for the next five years. Councillors also debated and voted on an amendment to the Member Code of Conduct regarding freedom of expression, ultimately voting to include specific reference to members' rights to freedom of expression.

Council Plan 2025-2030 Approved

The council formally approved the new Council Plan for 2025-2030, following extensive public consultation and engagement. The plan is structured around five key ambitions: Reforming the council, Supercharging our economy, Building better communities, Caring for our people, and A practical environmental stewardship. These ambitions remain the same as the interim framework, but the objectives and priorities have been refined based on feedback. Key areas of focus, strengthened by the consultation, include environmental stewardship, tackling anti-social behaviour, improving public transport and infrastructure, planning controls around houses of multiple occupation, improved efficiency and accountability, youth services, and support for children with special educational needs and disabilities. The plan also includes a refreshed performance management framework with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure progress.

Amendment to Member Code of Conduct on Freedom of Expression Carried

Following a lengthy debate, councillors voted to amend the Member Code of Conduct to include specific reference to members' rights to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The amendment, which was supported by 63 votes to 28, aims to acknowledge the importance of robust political debate while still upholding the council's duty to behave responsibly and respect others' rights. The Director of Legal and Democratic Services will review the Procedure for Member Code of Conduct complaints to ensure consistency with these rights.

Youth Justice Plan 2025-2026 Noted

The County Durham Youth Justice Plan for 2025-2026 was presented and noted by the council. The plan, developed in line with national guidance and in collaboration with partners, focuses on a child first ethos, aiming to reduce first-time entrants to the youth justice system and early intervention. It highlights a 54% reduction in first-time entrants since 2014 and a 4.8% reduction in re-offending rates. The plan also addresses challenges such as increasing violent offences and the need for improved health provision for young people.

Middridge Neighbourhood Plan Adopted

The Middridge Neighbourhood Plan was formally adopted, becoming part of the statutory development plan for the area. The plan, which was overwhelmingly approved by voters in a referendum with 97.5% in favour, introduces new policy requirements including protected rural settings, designation of local green spaces, and identification of community assets like Middridge Village Hall and The Bay Horse Public House. The adoption was made under delegated authority due to meeting regulatory deadlines during council recess periods.

Appointment of Charter Trustee

Councillor Howard Brown was appointed as the Charter Trustee for the City of Durham, representing the Easington & Shotton division. This appointment fills a vacancy created by the resignation of a previous councillor and ensures continued representation on the Charter Trust based on election results.

Audit Committee Annual Report Noted

The Audit Committee's annual report for the period September 2024 to August 2025 was noted by the council. The report detailed the committee's work in overseeing good governance, internal control, and risk management across the council, including reviews of financial statements, counter-fraud measures, and the annual governance statement.

Shotley Bridge Hospital Urgent Care Unit Closure and New Hospital Funding Motion

A motion was passed calling on the government to intervene and halt the overnight closure of the Urgent Care Unit at Shotley Bridge Hospital. The amended motion also urged the government to prioritise funding and commencement of construction for a new, larger Shotley Bridge Hospital and to fund the planned but unfunded new Accident and Emergency department at the University Hospital Durham. The motion highlighted concerns about staff shortages, inadequate bed allocation, and the impact on local healthcare access and inequalities.

Maya's Law Campaign Supported

The council unanimously agreed to support the campaign for Maya's Law, committing to lobbying the government for legislative changes to improve information sharing between agencies. The amended motion, which was accepted by the original mover, Councillor Amanda Hopgood, and seconded by Councillor Kathryn Rooney, also calls for the council to implement policies at a local level to safeguard children and improve safeguarding practices.

Other Business

• Leader's Report: Councillor Andrew Husband, Leader of the Council, presented his report, highlighting the allocation of £20 million each to Peterlee East, Stanley South, and Crook and Tolo through the Government's Pride in Place programme for regeneration. He also noted that this funding is not free money and that the council would be lobbying the government for more funding for other towns.
• Questions from the Public: Several questions were raised by members of the public. Miss Mulder questioned the council's decision to scrap its net-zero pledge in light of the climate crisis. Ms. Fotheringham asked about the council's waste recycling strategy, and Mr. McArdle inquired about the financial risk assessment for the Tees Valley Energy Recovery Facility (TVERF). Mr. Walker asked about improving transparency through the use of screens in the chamber. Councillor Kyle Genner, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Environment and Police Relations, responded to the environmental and waste-related questions, while Councillor Husband addressed the transparency question.
• Motions on Notice: Due to time constraints, several motions on notice were deferred to the next full council meeting. These included motions regarding hazardous waste incinerators, Council Tax support for terminally ill individuals, and the TVERF project.
• Questions from Members: Councillor Amanda Hopgood asked the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources about revenue savings, and Councillor Lesley Mavin asked about the council's commitment to treating all children equally, including unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

The meeting concluded with a Charter Trust meeting.