Councillor Elizabeth Pears

Special, Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Management Board - Wednesday 8 October 2025 1.00 pm

This article summarises what was scheduled to be discussed at the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Management Board meeting on 8 October 2025. The meeting was scheduled to consider requests to call in two decisions made by the cabinet. These related to the East Durham Community Athletics Track and the 2025-26 Quarter One Forecast Outturn for the Revenue Budget.

Highways Committee - Tuesday 16 September 2025 9.30 am

The Highways Committee met to discuss proposed traffic calming measures and parking restrictions in several areas. Councillors endorsed proposals for traffic calming in Kelloe and new parking restrictions in Blackhall, Blackhill and Shotley Bridge, Chester-le-Street and Birtley, and Coxhoe, all of which will now proceed for a final decision by the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Environment. The committee also approved a Definitive Map Modification Order related to public footpaths near Esh.

Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 10 September 2025 9.30 am

The Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the latest performance data for the council, and to evaluate the impact of Operation Trailblazer, a project designed to tackle anti-social behaviour. The committee noted the Quarter Four Performance Management Report, which highlighted both positive achievements and areas needing improvement, and reviewed the findings of the Operation Trailblazer evaluation, which will inform future strategies for tackling anti-social behaviour.

Corporate Parenting Panel - Friday 5 September 2025 9.30 am

The Corporate Parenting Panel met to discuss the Durham Family Strategy, updates from Ofsted, and annual surveys from children in care and care leavers. The panel approved the new Durham Family Strategy 2025-2029 and agreed to change the name of the Corporate Parenting Panel to the Durham Family Panel. They also agreed to a Care Leavers Council representative and a housing representative taking co-opted positions on the panel.

Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Management Board - Thursday 31 July 2025 2.00 pm

The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Management Board were scheduled to meet to discuss the Reform Interim Priorities and Council Plan. The report pack included a recommendation to note the proposed framework as the interim strategic direction of the council’s priorities, and to contribute to the consultation of the proposed framework to inform the development on a new council plan for 2025-2030. This plan is intended to reflect the priorities of the new administration following the local elections in May 2025.