Councillor Richard Watson Wearmouth
Email: Richard.Wearmouth@northumberland.gov.uk
Council: Northumberland
Council Profile: View on council website
Committees:
Activity Timeline
Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.
93 meetings · Page 4 of 19
Cabinet - Wednesday, 3rd September, 2025 9.00 am
At a meeting of the Northumberland County Council cabinet, several key decisions were made, including approving an amended constitution for the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE), increasing the budget for the Northumberland Line project by £28.77 million, and endorsing the Outline Business Case for the Portland Park Cinema and Restaurants project as part of the Ashington Regeneration Programme. The cabinet also discussed and approved updates on the financial restructuring of Advance Northumberland (AN Ltd) and the financial performance of the council for 2025-26.
Cabinet Shareholder Committee - Friday, 8th August, 2025 10.00 am
The Cabinet Shareholder Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss several matters relating to Advance Northumberland (AN) and its subsidiary companies, including the recruitment of a new board chair, the approval of a delegated authority policy, and a sustainability business case for Advance Green Futures Ltd (AGFL). The committee was also scheduled to receive an update on Northumberland Enterprise Holdings Ltd and review the draft AN accounts for 2024-25.
Schools' Forum - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 9.30 am
The Northumberland Council Schools' Forum met to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) outturn for 2024-25, school balances, and the scheme for financing maintained schools. Also on the agenda was a discussion of an article from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) funding. The Schools' Forum was also scheduled to review its work programme and meeting dates for 2025-26.
Joint Consultative Committee - Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 2.00 pm
Cabinet - Tuesday, 8th July, 2025 10.00 am
The Cabinet at Northumberland County Council were scheduled to discuss the Q3 & Q4 Corporate Performance, the Northumberland Local Plan Evaluation Report, and the Financial Performance for 2024-25, among other items. They were also scheduled to discuss new capital proposals and corporate risk management. Some of the information relating to corporate risk management was expected to be discussed in private.
Decisions from Meetings
43 decisions · Page 1 of 9
Urgent Business - Use of Former Hexham FIre Station Site
From: Cabinet - Tuesday, 11th November, 2025 9.30 am - November 11, 2025
...to address urgent operational needs and secure value for money, the Cabinet confirmed the former Hexham Fire Station site for depot expansion, agreed to continue discussions with Sir Antony Gormley regarding an art store and gallery at an alternative location, and requested the Leader to urgently discuss these opportunities with him.
Recommendations Approved
Market Testing Arrangements - Sale of Renewable Electricity from the Integrated Waste Management Contract EfW for 2026/27
From: Cabinet - Tuesday, 11th November, 2025 9.30 am - November 11, 2025
...to authorize the Council’s Waste PFI Contractor (Suez) to sell electricity generated at the Line 3 (EfW) during 2026/27 via online energy auction, delegating authority to the Executive Director of Place and Regeneration to set and amend the reserve price and negotiate with bidders to maximize income for the Council.
Recommendations Approved
Summary of New Capital Proposals considered by Capital Strategy Group
From: Cabinet - Tuesday, 11th November, 2025 9.30 am - November 11, 2025
...to amend the capital programme, the Cabinet approved spending and reallocation of funds for several projects, including acquiring mineral rights under the former Hexham Middle School site, supporting the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal with projects in Penrith and Alnwick, undertaking structural work at Tynedale House, and addressing essential maintenance across the Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service estate.
Recommendations Approved
Future of kerbside recycling collections under Simpler Recycling
From: Cabinet - Tuesday, 11th November, 2025 9.30 am - November 11, 2025
...to approve Option 3a, involving separate collection of fibre (paper, card, cardboard) in a black bin with a burgundy lid, as the preferred method for expanded household recycling collections to comply with Simpler Recycling requirements, noting a challenging implementation timeframe of October 2026 and delegating authority for contract amendments.
Recommendations Approved
Summary of New Capital Proposals considered by Officer Capital Strategy Group
From: Cabinet - Tuesday, 14th October, 2025 10.00 am - October 14, 2025
...to amend the capital programme by delegating authority to the Chief Executive to enter into a contract for a flood warning system, approving the adoption and refurbishment of the Eden Hill Railway Bridge, and contributing to the restoration of the Woodhorn Narrow Gauge Railway.
For Determination
Summary
Meetings Attended: 93
Average per Month: 4.0
Decisions Recorded: 43