The Cabinet of County Durham Council met on Wednesday 22 April 2026 to approve updated delivery plans for the County Durham Housing Strategy and the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy. The Cabinet also agreed to a series of proposed changes to the Council's Constitution following an annual review.

County Durham Housing Strategy and Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Delivery Plans 2026/27

The Cabinet approved the updated 12-month delivery plans for both the County Durham Housing Strategy (CDHS) and the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy (HRSS). These strategies, adopted in January 2025 and July 2024 respectively, aim to ensure good quality, affordable housing for all residents and to eradicate homelessness and rough sleeping in County Durham. The updated delivery plans incorporate ongoing actions, progress made, and new workstreams aligned with partners' priorities. The Cabinet also agreed to delegate the power to make minor modifications and adopt future updates of these plans to the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth, in consultation with relevant portfolio holders.

Annual Review of the Constitution

The Cabinet reviewed proposed changes to the Council's Constitution, which sets out how the Council operates and makes decisions. Key changes include the introduction of financial thresholds for key decisions, with executive decisions involving revenue or capital expenditure or savings of £2 million or more now being classified as key decisions. The report also detailed proposed amendments to the officer scheme of delegation, establishing financial thresholds for contract awards and financial decisions. Other significant changes include the realignment of functions under different services, clarification on the conduct of litigation, and the designation of a statutory Senior LGPS Officer. The proposed changes will be recommended to the full Council for approval.

Finance Durham Fund Update

An update was provided on the performance of the Finance Durham Fund (FDF), established in 2016 with an investment of £20 million to provide equity and loan finance to County Durham-based businesses. The fund has made 57 investments totalling £17.28 million into 37 companies, leveraging an additional £40 million of investment and supporting nearly 1,500 jobs. The Cabinet noted the fund's progress and agreed that an annual report will be provided going forward.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

The Cabinet resolved to exclude the press and public from the remainder of the meeting to discuss exempt or confidential information.