The Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Durham County Council was scheduled to discuss a range of topics, including the progress of the Council House Delivery Programme, updates on funding streams such as the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and performance management reports for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The committee was also set to review minutes from previous meetings and the County Durham Economic Partnership Board.

Council House Delivery Programme Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Council House Delivery Programme (CHDP), which aims to increase the supply of affordable homes across County Durham. The report detailed the programme's objectives, including addressing local housing needs, providing suitable properties for older residents, and reducing pressure on temporary accommodation. It also outlined the financial approach, which relies on self-financed borrowing and external grant funding, and confirmed that the programme does not require additional capital investment from the council's general fund beyond land acquisition. The report detailed the delivery pipeline, with three schemes currently on site: Portland Avenue in Seaham, Greenwood Avenue in Burnhope, and Merrington View in Spennymoor. The next steps for the programme include progressing on-site schemes and prioritising those with identified regeneration benefits, such as the Third Street, Fourth Street, and Fifth Street proposals in Horden, and the former Easington School site. The acquisitions programme, which focuses on purchasing properties for temporary accommodation, was also highlighted as a complementary element to the new build programme.

Funding Update including UK Shared Prosperity Fund

A report was scheduled to provide an update on local growth funding, with a particular focus on the delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). County Durham has been allocated over £47.5 million from the UKSPF and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) for the period 2022/23 to 2025/26. The report noted the introduction of a new approach to regional investment by the government, with consolidated funding and devolved powers through the Pride in Place Programme (PiPP), Local Growth Fund (LGF), and increased funding to combined authorities. The Funding and Programmes Team's role in maximising external funding for the council's priorities was detailed, including their function as the accountable body for UKSPF and their support for accessing funding from the North East Combined Authority (NECA). The report provided an update on the management of the UKSPF for 2025/26, noting that the programme's delivery to beneficiaries would cease on 31 March 2026, with spend reported until April. Transition funding for business support activity has been secured to continue projects until December 2026, dovetailing with the expected implementation of the 'Business North East' service from January 2027.

Quarter Three Forecast of Revenue and Capital Outturn 2025/26

This report was intended to provide details of the forecast outturn for revenue and capital for the Regeneration, Economy and Growth (REG) service area as at 31 December 2025. It presented an analysis of budgets and forecast outturn, indicating a forecast underspend of £0.819 million against a revised revenue budget of £43.918 million. The revised service capital budget was £75.568 million, with expenditure of £46.976 million as at 31 December 2025. The report detailed the reasons for under and overspending against relevant budget heads within services such as Culture, Sport & Tourism; Planning & Housing; and Inclusive Growth & Partnerships.

Quarter Three 2025/26 Performance Management Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on progress towards achieving the strategic ambitions and objectives set out in the Council Plan 2025-30. The report, containing the most recent performance data available as of 31 December 2025, covered activity and events from the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year (October to December). Key performance messages highlighted strong performance in business support and job creation, with 1,343 businesses supported, 19 inward investments secured, and £5.7 million invested for companies. However, the report also noted that planning applications completed within deadlines remained below target, primarily due to resource pressures in supporting services. Cultural events, including the Lumiere light festival and the Durham Book Festival, were highlighted for their attendance and economic impact. The report also addressed homelessness, noting an increase in assessments and households with priority needs, leading to increased costs for temporary accommodation, with measures being taken to reduce the time households spend in such accommodation.

Minutes from the County Durham Economic Partnership Board

The committee was scheduled to review the minutes from the County Durham Economic Partnership Board meetings held on 19 November 2025 and 10 February 2026. These minutes would provide insights into discussions on the state of business, regional plans and opportunities, updates on the Inclusive Economic Strategy Delivery Plan, and the Poverty Strategy Consultation. Topics covered included manufacturing sector performance, challenges faced by small businesses, the role of NECA in regional investment, skills funding, and housing development.