The Charter Trustees for the City of Durham were scheduled to discuss arrangements for Honorary Aldermen and review the council's risk assessment. The meeting also included a report on the 2026/27 budget and council tax precept proposals.

Honorary Alderman Arrangements

The meeting was scheduled to consider the recognition of certain individuals as Honorary Aldermen or Alderwomen. This follows appointments made by Durham County Council. The Charter Trustees, while unable to confer the title themselves, can acknowledge individuals who have a significant connection to the former district of Durham City. The report outlined eligibility criteria agreed in 2018, which stated that Honorary Aldermen who had served 14 years representing the old Durham City area would be eligible to take part in ceremonial events and wear red robes. The report suggested that Alderwoman Jean Chaplow, Alderman Richard Ormerod, Alderman Arnie Simpson, Alderman David Stoker, and Alderman Paul Taylor (deceased) met these criteria. The recommendation was that these individuals be recognised by the Charter Trustees. Minor costs were anticipated for updating boards within the Town Hall, with no additional robes to be purchased.

Review of Risk Assessment

A review of the Charter Trustees' risk assessment was scheduled for discussion. The Trustees are required to maintain sound systems of internal control and risk management in accordance with the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 and the Small Authorities Proper Practices Panel (SAPPP) Practitioners' Guide 2025. The risk assessment, which was reviewed annually or when significant changes occur, identifies and evaluates risks across various areas including governance, finance, civic assets, public events, reputation, data protection, and procurement. Each risk is assessed based on its likelihood and impact, with controls implemented to mitigate them. The report noted that the previous risk assessment, approved in July 2025, had highlighted weaknesses identified by the Council's Internal Audit team. Following a meeting with the Council's Risk team, a revised risk assessment was presented for approval. This new version, while not introducing new risks or controls, was presented in a different format offering more detail on risk scoring and evidence of compliance. The recommendation was for the Charter Trustees to approve the risk assessment.

2026/27 Budget and Council Tax Precept Setting Proposals

The meeting was scheduled to consider proposals for the 2026/27 budget and the council tax precept. A report from the Treasurer was to provide information to enable the Charter Trustees to determine the budget requirement and the basic level of council tax for 2026/27, with options presented for the period up to 2029/30. Discussions from a previous meeting on 10 December 2025 indicated that Option 1, which proposed an increase of £0.70 for Band D properties in 2026/27, was the preferred option. This was due to reduced reserves, uncertainty in property numbers, and the forthcoming removal of the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme grant. Councillor Hopgood supported Option One as more sustainable. Councillor David Freeman, however, preferred Option Two for annual flexibility, expressing concern that reserves remained high. The Treasurer advised that Option One would set the Trust on a stable course for the next four years. The previous meeting resolved to approve Option 1, raising council tax by 35% in 2026/27, with an agreement in principle to raise it by 2% annually thereafter. The deadline for agreeing the precept for 2026/27 was noted as 23 January 2026.

Other Business

A brief mention was made of Any Other Business where Councillor David Freeman was scheduled to ask a question regarding Honorary Aldermen and a board in the Town Hall. The Clerk was expected to advise that a report on the board and red robes would be presented to the Trust at its January 2026 meeting.