Councillor Tracie Smith

County Council - Wednesday 22 October 2025 10.00 am

The County Council meeting on 22 October 2025 saw the approval of a new Council Plan for 2025-2030, which outlines the council's priorities and ambitions for the next five years. A significant debate also took place regarding an amendment to the Member Code of Conduct concerning freedom of expression, which was ultimately carried.

Special (Joint meeting with Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee), Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday 13 October 2025 1.30 pm

This was a special joint meeting of the Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The main item for discussion was a report and presentation on fuel poverty in County Durham. Councillors were expected to comment on the report and presentation, and to consider receiving a further update on fuel poverty at a future meeting.

Highways Committee - Monday 13 October 2025 9.30 am

The Highways Committee of Durham County Council met on 13 October 2025 to discuss proposed changes to traffic regulation orders in several locations. The meeting was scheduled to address objections received during consultations on amendments to parking and waiting restrictions in Kyo, Annfield Plain, Greencroft, Catchgate, Harelaw, and Dipton, as well as in Bishop Auckland. Councillors were asked to decide, in principle, whether the Traffic Regulation Orders should be made.

Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Friday 3 October 2025 9.30 am

The Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to meet on Friday 3 October 2025 to discuss a number of reports and updates. Items to be discussed included the Durham City Green Corridor, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, financial forecasts, and performance management. The committee was also scheduled to review the minutes from the Environment and Climate Change Partnership Executive Board meeting held on 1 July 2025.

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.