The Cabinet of County Durham Council met on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to discuss the council's financial forecasts, a landslip on Craykill Bank, and the Quarter 1 performance report. Key decisions included agreeing to apply to stop up the C31 Craykill Bank highway and noting the Quarter 1 Performance Management Report.

Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2027/28 - 2030/31 Financial Forecasts

Councillor Darren Grimes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance, presented the updated Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) forecasts, highlighting a significant financial challenge of £83.662 million over the next four years, even after accounting for £21.519 million in new savings proposals. He expressed concern that without council tax increases, the council would face a residual deficit of £62.143 million, exceeding the available reserves. Councillor Grimes stressed the need for difficult choices regarding service reductions and tax rises if central government funding does not adequately address statutory service costs. The report detailed various cost pressures, including pay awards, inflation, and increased demand in social care, children's services, and home-to-school transport. New savings proposals, totalling £21.519 million, were outlined, with £9.171 million considered sufficiently developed for implementation and £12.348 million identified as transformation-led savings requiring further scoping. The Cabinet noted the financial forecasts, the identified savings, and agreed to proceed with public consultation on the budget proposals and council tax options.

C31 Craykill Bank Landslip, Hamsterley

Mark Jackson, Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Environment, presented a report on the landslip at C31 Craykill Bank near Hamsterley. Due to extensive subsidence and slippage, the road has been closed since December 2022, and engineering solutions are deemed unsuitable due to high costs and ongoing geotechnical risks. An alternative solution involving an extended, realigned carriageway was estimated at £10 million, with a continued risk of slippage. Consequently, the recommendation was to permanently close the road. Councillor Tim McGuinness, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Rural, Farming and Transport, supported this, stating that reopening the route would pose a significant financial risk. The Cabinet agreed to proceed with an application to the Magistrates' Court to stop up the highway under Section 116 of the Highways Act 1980. This process is expected to take around six months and will involve public notification and potential judicial review. Remediation works at the closure point and maintenance of the alternative diversion route will be undertaken.

Quarter One, 2026/27 Performance Management Report

Councillor Andrew Husband, Leader of the Council, presented the Quarter 1 Performance Management Report, which provides an update on progress against the Council Plan ambitions. The report indicated a broadly positive position, with strong performance in areas such as customer contact, economic development, community safety, digital connectivity, and waste diversion. However, it also highlighted areas requiring attention, including staff sickness absence rates and the timeliness of Freedom of Information and Subject Access Requests. Councillor Husband acknowledged the challenges, particularly in children's social care and SEND services, but emphasised the council's commitment to reform and delivery. The Cabinet noted the report.

2026/27 Quarter One Forecast of Outturn for the Revenue Budget, Capital Budgets, Collection Fund and Treasury Management

Paul Darby, Corporate Director of Resources, presented the Quarter 1 forecast outturn for the Revenue Budget, Capital Budgets, Collection Fund, and Treasury Management. The report indicated a forecast net overspend of £1.641 million on the General Fund Revenue Budget for the year-end, representing 0.24% of the net budget. Significant overspends were noted in Children and Young People's Services (£10.3 million) and Neighbourhoods and Environment (£1.44 million), largely offset by underspends in other services and corporate budgets. The General Reserve is forecast to be around £38 million at year-end, within the council's reserves policy. A major concern highlighted was the High Needs Dedicated Schools Grant position, forecasting an overspend of £31.1 million for the year. The report also detailed amendments to the capital programme, with a revised budget of £293.2 million for 2026/27 and £725.1 million across the MTFP period. The Cabinet noted the forecast outturn positions and agreed to the proposed amendments to the capital programme.

County Durham Youth Justice Service: Youth Justice Plan 2026 - 2027

Councillor Cathy Hunt, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People's Services, presented the County Durham Youth Justice Plan for 2026-2027. The plan outlines strategic priorities, performance, and key developments aimed at improving outcomes for children, victims, and communities. It highlights strong performance in reducing first-time entrants to the youth justice system and a continued decline in custody use and overall offending. The service is aligned with the national Child First framework, focusing on early intervention, diversion, and strengths-based approaches. The Cabinet noted the plan and endorsed its strategic priorities.

Chester-le-Street Riverside

Councillor Karen Allison, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Tourism, Regeneration and High Street, presented proposals for the potential future improvement of the Riverside Sports Complex and complementary enhancements to Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street. The report outlined an integrated, place-based approach to rejuvenate the site, potentially creating a Town of Sport and aligning with regional Mayoral ambitions. The proposals include a community sports hub, potential elite sport facilities, and park improvements, subject to further consultation and securing external funding. Cabinet endorsed the emerging vision and approved progression to the next stage of feasibility work, consultation, and business case development. The council will provide £133,333 in match funding towards the estimated £333,333 feasibility budget for the community sports hub, with the Football Foundation contributing a maximum of £200,000.

Durham Castle and Cathedral World Heritage Site Management Plan 2025 - 2035

Councillor Tony Hanson, Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth, advised Cabinet on the completion and publication of the new Durham Castle and Cathedral World Heritage Site Management Plan for 2025-2035. The plan is a key instrument for conserving and safeguarding the site's Outstanding Universal Value. Cabinet endorsed the Management Vision and Objectives within the plan and the delivery of the associated actions.

Review of Cockerels on Allotments

Councillor Dawn Bellingham, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities and Civil Resilience, presented a report reviewing the policy on keeping cockerels on allotments. Following representations, petitions, and stakeholder feedback regarding animal welfare, practicalities, and cultural practices, Cabinet was asked to consider reverting to the previous policy of allowing show cockerels if permission was granted by the Council. The report also highlighted the national legal requirement for all poultry keepers to register with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Cabinet agreed to revert to the previous policy of allowing show cockerels with permission, noted that statutory nuisance provisions would override policy, and agreed that failure to comply with APHA registration requirements could lead to enforcement action. An allotment policy review in three years was also agreed.

Delegation of Powers: Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 to Shincliffe Parish Council to create a new Local Nature Reserve

Councillor Kyle Genner, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods, Environment and Police Relations, presented a report seeking approval to delegate powers under Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 to Shincliffe Parish Council. This delegation would enable the Parish Council to create a new Local Nature Reserve at Shincliffe Pit Heaps, a site already designated as a Local Wildlife Site and owned by the Parish Council. The Cabinet agreed to the delegation of these powers.