Councillor Elizabeth Pears

Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 10 September 2025 9.30 am

The Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the latest performance data for the council, and to evaluate the impact of Operation Trailblazer, a project designed to tackle anti-social behaviour. The committee noted the Quarter Four Performance Management Report, which highlighted both positive achievements and areas needing improvement, and reviewed the findings of the Operation Trailblazer evaluation, which will inform future strategies for tackling anti-social behaviour.

Corporate Parenting Panel - Friday 5 September 2025 9.30 am

The Corporate Parenting Panel met to discuss the Durham Family Strategy, updates from Ofsted, and annual surveys from children in care and care leavers. The panel approved the new Durham Family Strategy 2025-2029 and agreed to change the name of the Corporate Parenting Panel to the Durham Family Panel. They also agreed to a Care Leavers Council representative and a housing representative taking co-opted positions on the panel.

Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Management Board - Thursday 31 July 2025 2.00 pm

The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Management Board were scheduled to meet to discuss the Reform Interim Priorities and Council Plan. The report pack included a recommendation to note the proposed framework as the interim strategic direction of the council’s priorities, and to contribute to the consultation of the proposed framework to inform the development on a new council plan for 2025-2030. This plan is intended to reflect the priorities of the new administration following the local elections in May 2025.

Special Meeting, Cabinet - Monday 21 July 2025 10.30 am

The Durham County Council Cabinet met to discuss and approve an interim framework for the council's priorities, initiate a consultation on an Article 4 direction regarding changes of use for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), and review the council's financial planning and transformation strategies. The cabinet agreed to the recommendations in the reports presented.

Corporate Parenting Panel - Friday 18 July 2025 9.30 am

The Corporate Parenting Panel were scheduled to discuss updates from Ofsted, reports on adoption services, and a sufficiency statement for children in care and care leavers, at a meeting on 18 July 2025. The panel was also scheduled to hear from young people of the Children in Care Council (CiCC) about their activities. Some of the items scheduled for discussion contained exempt information and were expected to be discussed in private.