Councillor John Cook

Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 23 February 2026 - 10.00 am

The Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service's Community Risk Management Plan, an update on probation services in County Durham, and the Quarter Two 2025/26 performance management report.

County Council - Wednesday 18 February 2026 10.00 am

The Durham County Council meeting on Wednesday 18 February 2026 focused heavily on the council's financial future, with significant decisions made regarding the budget, council tax, and the medium-term financial plan. The council also debated and voted on a motion concerning the re-industrialisation of County Durham and addressed concerns about healthcare provision at Shotley Bridge Hospital.

Special Meeting, Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday 16 February 2026 10.00 am

The Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee of County Durham Council met on Monday 16 February 2026 to discuss regional and local transport policy and delivery. The meeting focused on updates regarding transport infrastructure, active travel initiatives, passenger transport services, and the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Management Board - Thursday 12 February 2026 10.00 am

The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Management Board was scheduled to consider the council's use of investigatory powers, its financial plans for the coming years, and the outcomes of a Corporate Peer Challenge. The board was also set to discuss the Poverty Strategy for 2026-2030.

Special Joint Meeting with Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 11 February 2026 1.30 pm

A joint meeting of the Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss battery energy storage systems and solar energy. The committees were to be updated on the national and local policy context surrounding these technologies and consider their implications for the future County Durham Plan.