The Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for Friday 24 April 2026 was set to cover a range of significant topics, including updates on the Council House Delivery Programme, funding streams like the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and performance management reports. The committee was also scheduled to review financial outturns and consider minutes from previous meetings.

Council House Delivery Programme Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Council House Delivery Programme (CHDP), which aims to increase the supply of affordable homes across County Durham. The report detailed the programme's objectives, including addressing local housing needs, providing suitable housing for older residents, and reducing pressure on temporary accommodation. It outlined the financial approach, which relies on self-financed borrowing and external grant funding, and confirmed that the programme does not require additional capital investment from the council's general fund beyond land acquisition. The report detailed the delivery pipeline, with three schemes currently on site: Portland Avenue in Seaham, Greenwood Avenue in Burnhope, and Merrington View in Spennymoor. Further pipeline sites were also identified, with priority given to schemes offering wider regeneration benefits, such as those in Horden and the former Easington School site. The report also covered the ongoing property acquisitions programme, which supplements new build activity and focuses on acquiring properties for temporary accommodation.

Funding Update including UK Shared Prosperity Fund

A report was scheduled to provide an update on local growth funding, with a particular focus on the delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). County Durham has been allocated over £47.5 million from the UKSPF and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) for the period 2022/23 to 2025/26. The report detailed the transition to new regional investment approaches, including the Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) and the Local Growth Fund (LGF), with increased funding being routed through the North East Combined Authority (NECA). The Funding and Programmes Team's role in securing external funding and acting as the accountable body for UKSPF was highlighted. The report provided an overview of the UKSPF's achievements, including supporting nearly 9,100 households, creating or improving 62 facilities, and assisting 992 people into employment. The transition year for UKSPF (2025/26) and its implications beyond March 2026 were also to be discussed, along with other local growth funding streams and NECA funding opportunities.

Quarter Three 2025/26 Performance Management Report

The committee was set to review the Quarter Three 2025/26 Performance Management Report, which provides an update on progress towards the strategic ambitions and objectives outlined in the Council Plan 2025-30. The report, based on data available as of 31 December 2025, covers activities from October to December 2025. Key performance messages indicated strong support for businesses, with 1,343 businesses assisted and 2,157 jobs created or safeguarded over the past 12 months. The occupancy rate of council-owned business floorspace was reported as above target. Cultural events, including the Lumiere light festival and the Durham Book Festival, were noted for their visitor numbers and economic impact. However, the report also highlighted ongoing issues with planning applications being completed within deadlines, attributed to resource pressures in supporting services. Progress in preventing homelessness and securing accommodation for households was also detailed.

Quarter Three Forecast of Revenue and Capital Outturn 2025/26

A report was scheduled to present the forecast outturn position for revenue and capital for the Regeneration, Economy and Growth (REG) service area as at 31 December 2025. The report indicated a forecast underspend of £0.819 million against a revised revenue budget of £43.918 million. The revised service capital budget was £75.568 million, with expenditure of £46.976 million as of the reporting date. The report was expected to provide details on the reasons for under and overspending against relevant budget heads across various service areas, including Culture, Sport and Tourism, Planning and Housing, and Inclusive Growth and Partnerships.

County Durham Economic Partnership Board Minutes

The committee was scheduled to review minutes from two meetings of the County Durham Economic Partnership Board: one held on 19 November 2025 and another on 10 February 2026. These minutes would provide insights into discussions on the state of business, regional plans, the Inclusive Economic Strategy Delivery Plan, and poverty strategy consultations. Topics covered included manufacturing sector performance, challenges faced by small businesses, skills funding, housing development, and the role of the voluntary and community sector. The minutes would also detail updates on place branding and the University's engagement in business growth and innovation.