Councillor Kenny Hope

County Council - Wednesday 16 July 2025 10.00 am

Durham County Council met on Wednesday, 16 July 2025, for a meeting that included a report from the leader, questions from the public, and discussion of the Corporate Parenting Panel Annual Report. Councillors also voted against extending the time allocated to motions, and ultimately voted to rescind the Climate Emergency Declaration made in 2019, in favour of declaring a County Durham Care Emergency.

Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington - Tuesday 15 July 2025 10.00 am

The Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington were scheduled to meet to discuss the Community Risk Management Plan, Local Government Legislation Subscription, and Pay Awards, alongside other internal matters. The meeting was due to take place at the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters. Councillors were also expected to discuss items that were exempt from the public.

Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Friday 4 July 2025 9.30 am

The Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss the Regeneration, Economy and Growth service grouping, the 2024/25 performance management report, and to refresh the committee's work programme for 2025/26. The committee was also scheduled to note the minutes from the County Durham Economic Partnership Board meeting held on 10 February 2025, and the minutes of previous meetings of the Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

County Planning Committee - Wednesday 2 July 2025 1.00 pm

The County Planning Committee met to discuss three planning applications, including a solar farm with battery storage, a standalone battery energy storage system, and the redevelopment of a school. The committee approved the Durham Academy redevelopment, but voted to refuse the solar farm application, against officer recommendation, citing landscape harm. A motion to approve the battery energy storage system was then carried.

Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday 30 June 2025 9.30 am

The Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss road safety, the Safe Durham Partnership, and a performance management report. They were also expected to refresh their work programme for the coming year.