County Durham Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday 17 September 2025, to discuss the Medium Term Financial Plan, the council's performance, budget forecasts, and several reports. They approved the Medium Term Financial Plan, reviewed the Quarter One Performance Management Report, and discussed the East Durham Community Athletics Track Grant of Option.

Medium Term Financial Plan

The Cabinet approved the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2026/27 - 2029/30, which included financial forecasts and a review of the Empty Property Premium Charge Section 13A (1)(c) Reduction Policy¹. The MTFP outlines the council's financial strategy for the next four years.

A previous meeting on 9 July 2025, included discussion of the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2026/27, where Councillor Nicola Lyons, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Stronger Communities and Belonging, highlighted that the council had one of the most generous council tax support schemes in the country. Councillor Darren Grimes, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance, Policy and Communications, noted that changes to the scheme could simplify administration and potentially lead to savings.

Quarter One Performance Management Report

The Cabinet reviewed the Quarter One, 2025/25 Performance Management Report. This report details the council's progress towards achieving the strategic ambitions and objectives set out in the Council Plan 2024-28.

During a previous meeting on 9 July 2025, questions were raised about the report. Mrs McDonnell asked if the new administration would continue to ensure value for money through investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. Councillor Karen Allison, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Environment, responded that the administration was reviewing capital budgets to ensure investment in areas of most need.

Mr Hood inquired about recruitment, employment, and the work of social workers. Councillor Cathy Hunt, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People Services, confirmed the commitment to enhancing staff recruitment and retention within the service, recognising the positive impact of stability in the children's social care workforce.

Councillor Wilkes questioned the condition of the county's roads. Councillor Tim McGuinness, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Rural Communities and Highways, advised that the administration was undergoing a comprehensive review of capital budgets and spending to ensure a safe and resilient highway network.

Councillor Alex Neil asked if the Cabinet Portfolio Holder could confirm that all the excellent work carried out by the previous administration and officers over the last four years would be continued. Councillor Hunt confirmed that reporting into the Corporate Parenting Panel on numbers of children in care continued as a part of the regular performance report presented to the Panel.

Councillor A Hopgood asked if the administration would commit to continue the policy of culture-led economic regeneration. Councillor Joe Quinn, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Resources, Investments and Assets, stated that cultural venues attracted more than 245,000 visitors and that the importance of culture-led economic regeneration was recognised.

Quarter One Forecast Outturn

The Cabinet reviewed the 2025-26 Quarter One Forecast Outturn for the Revenue Budget, Capital Budgets, Collection Fund and Treasury Management.

Health and Wellbeing Board Annual Report

The Cabinet considered the Health and Wellbeing Board Annual Report 2024/25, a joint report from the Interim Corporate Director of Adult and Health Services and the Director of Public Health.

Corporate Procurement End of Year Performance and Social Value Report

The Cabinet reviewed the Corporate Procurement End of Year Performance and Social Value Report (2024/25).

Corporate Peer Challenge Preparedness Report

The Cabinet considered the Corporate Peer Challenge Preparedness Report.

East Durham Community Athletics Track Grant of Option

The Cabinet discussed the East Durham Community Athletics Track Grant of Option. This involved a joint report from the Corporate Director of Resources and the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth.