The Durham County Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 28 January 2026, with a number of key reports and motions on the agenda. Discussions are expected to cover the adoption of the Startforth Neighbourhood Plan, an updated Local Code of Corporate Governance, and a motion calling for the restoration of overnight urgent care services at Shotley Bridge Hospital.

Startforth Neighbourhood Plan

A significant item on the agenda is the proposed adoption of the Startforth Neighbourhood Plan. This plan, detailed in the document Adoption of Startforth Neighbourhood Plan, is a report from the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth. Neighbourhood plans are developed by local communities and set out planning policies for their area, influencing future development.

Updated Local Code of Corporate Governance

The council will also consider an updated Local Code of Corporate Governance, as outlined in the report Updated Local Code of Corporate Governance. This document, prepared by the Corporate Director of Resources, will detail the framework and principles by which the council operates and ensures accountability.

Motion on Industrial Heritage and Economic Regeneration

Councillor K Genner is set to move a motion that calls for the council to reverse Durham's decline and build the foundations for a strong, resilient and opportunity rich local economy . The motion, which can be found within the Agenda frontsheet Wednesday 28-Jan-2026 10.00 County Council.pdf document, expresses a commitment to positioning Durham as the Industrial heartland of Britain . It advocates for an economy first approach to regeneration, prioritising local economic and job opportunities. The motion also calls for a pragmatic approach to protecting the natural environment, suggesting that it contains the natural resources that will help us flourish and moving away from a protect at all costs approach . It further commits to a position of resource and energy exploration , mentioning various resources such as lithium, deep geothermal, mine water, oil, gas, and coal, stating that cheap and abundant energy is foundational to a thriving economy .

Urgent Care Services at Shotley Bridge Hospital

Councillor K Hope is scheduled to move a motion concerning the urgent care services at Shotley Bridge Hospital. The motion, also included in the Agenda frontsheet Wednesday 28-Jan-2026 10.00 County Council.pdf document, highlights concerns over the sustained reduction in access to urgent healthcare due to the overnight closure of the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at Shotley Bridge Hospital. It notes the absence of a published, time-bound recovery plan for workforce recruitment and service restoration. The motion also points to the continued failure to release approved capital funding for the new Shotley Bridge Hospital, which has materially delayed infrastructure necessary to meet current and future healthcare demand . The council is being asked to formally record its view that the continued failure to restore overnight UTC provision and progress the new hospital build risks breaching statutory obligations. It calls upon the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and NHS leadership to restore overnight UTC provision, publish a clear plan for service stabilisation, and release capital funding for the new hospital. Furthermore, the motion requests that the NHS convene an in-person public meeting with affected residents and instructs the Chief Executive and Leader of Durham County Council to write formally to the Secretary of State and relevant NHS bodies.

Other Agenda Items

The meeting's agenda also includes a presentation to Honorary Aldermen/Alderwomen, confirmation of the minutes from the meeting held on 10 December 2025, a report from the Cabinet, and the appointment of independent members to the Independent Remuneration Panel. Additionally, there will be an Overview and Scrutiny Six Monthly Update, and appointments for various committee chairs and vice-chairs, including the Audit Committee Vice-Chair, Area Planning Committee (South and West) Vice-Chair, and General Licensing and Registration Committee (2) Chair. The council will also consider motions on notice.