Here's a summary of the Darlington Council Cabinet meeting held on 9 September 2025. Councillors approved a combined Climate Change and Nature Restoration Strategy, a single use plastic policy, and an asset management programme for the Dolphin Centre, along with other recommendations. They also reviewed the Investment Fund, complaints reports, the capital programme, and the use of investigatory powers.

Climate Change and Nature Restoration Strategy

Cabinet recommended that the council approve the adoption of the combined Climate Change and Nature Restoration Strategy. The strategy combines the council's existing climate change emergency with a newly declared nature restoration emergency, following a resolution passed in May 2025.

The strategy aims to create a wider variety of habitats in Darlington to increase the resilience of wildlife to climate change, human pressures, and natural threats. The council's target of net zero emissions by 2040 remains in place. Separate action plans will be developed for climate change and nature restoration, with the existing Cross Party Climate Change Working Group providing supportive review of the nature restoration actions.

The report stated that there is: increasing public pressure to act on climate change and on nature loss, we run the risk of significant damage to our reputation if we do not deliver on our stated commitments.

Dolphin Centre Asset Management and Investment Opportunities

Cabinet approved the proposed asset management programme for the Dolphin Centre, recommending to the council the release of £6.742 million to continue repairs and maintenance. They noted that if the council approves the programme, there would be revenue pressures of £0.041 million in 2025/26 and £0.133 million in 2026/27 due to service closures during the works.

Cabinet also approved two investment projects, recommending to the council the release of:

• £1.456 million for an indoor golf, interactive darts, and shuffleboard project
• £0.752 million for a new spinning studio and fitness studio refurbishment

Both investment projects are expected to generate a surplus of funding from income, contributing to the council's vision for residents to live well and stay healthy, and reducing the overall subsidy to the Dolphin Centre from the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP). The Dolphin Centre is Darlington's only indoor leisure facility.

Revenue Budget Monitoring 2025/26 - Quarter 1

Cabinet noted the forecast revenue outturn for 2025/26. The report indicated an overall decline of £2.166 million on the 2025-29 Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP), stemming from £3.489 million of departmental pressures and a £0.166 million decline in corporate resources. This was partially offset by £1.489 million of additional balances carried forward from the 2024/25 outturn. Cabinet also agreed to receive further regular reports to monitor progress and take prompt action if necessary.

Treasury Management Annual Report and Outturn Prudential Indicators 2024/25

Cabinet noted the Treasury Management Annual Report and Outturn Prudential Indicators 2024/25 and recommended that the report be forwarded to the council. The report provided information on the regulation and management of the council's borrowing, investments, and cash flow, as well as treasury activity for the past year. It also sought approval of the Prudential Indicator results for 2024/25, in accordance with the Prudential Code¹.

The report noted that 2024/25 was an unprecedented year for treasury management due to the conflict in Ukraine, events in the Middle East, and rising borrowing costs. Despite these challenges, the council complied with legislative and regulatory requirements. The council's external debt as of 31 March 2025 was £172.738 million, an increase of £19.860 million from the previous year, due to the progression of capital schemes and inflationary pressures.

Single Use Plastic Policy

Cabinet approved the single use plastic policy, citing increasing public pressure to act on climate change and support the local environment. The policy outlines three principles to reduce the council's dependence on single use plastics: lead by example, work with suppliers and contractors, and support Darlington.

Blue Badge Policy Statement

Cabinet agreed to implement changes to the Blue Badge Policy Statement, including:

• Automatic extension of expiring blue badges until 31 March 2026
• New eligibility conditions
• Procedural revisions

The changes aim to address a backlog of applications and improve the efficiency of the application process.

Project Position Statement and Capital Programme Monitoring Quarter 1 2025/26

Cabinet noted the status of construction projects and the projected capital expenditure and resources outlined in the Project Position Statement and Capital Programme Monitoring Quarter 1 2025/26 report. They also approved adjustments to resources as detailed in paragraph 21 of the report.

The report indicated a projected capital programme outturn of £354.868 million against an approved programme of £354.982 million. The council has 19 live projects with an overall projected outturn value of £131.234 million, with the majority running on time, within budget, and meeting quality expectations.

Annual Review of the Investment Fund

Cabinet noted the use of the Investment Fund and the returns achieved through Joint Venture vehicles, as detailed in the Annual Review of the Investment Fund 2025 report. The report stated that the £50 million fund is being used for innovative investment opportunities beyond traditional treasury management, including Joint Venture (JV) vehicles and economic regeneration initiatives. Returns on JVs are anticipated to be over £8.4 million, with three schemes already completed and the investment recycled back into the fund.

Complaints, Compliments and Comments Annual Report 2024/25

Cabinet noted the content of the Complaints, Compliments and Comments Annual Report 2024/25 and endorsed the further recommendations made in the Corporate, Children's and Housing reports. The report provided an overview of complaints, compliments, and comments received by the council across various service areas.

In 2024/25, the council received 747 complaints, 219 compliments, and 45 comments. The report highlighted examples of organisational learning resulting from complaints and made recommendations for service improvements.

Complaints Made to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman and the Housing Ombudsman Service

Cabinet noted the contents of the report providing an update on the outcome of cases determined by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) and the Housing Ombudsman Service (HOS).

Regulatory Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA)

Cabinet noted the issues raised in the report and approved the Regulatory Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) Policy. The report informed members about the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, and ensured compliance with legal obligations and national guidance. Councillor Mandy Porter, Cabinet Member for Resources, stated that the policy should be approved by members on an annual basis, as stated in the Home Office Code of Practice.