Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Chairman of the Council formally reported the death of
· former Councillor, Chairman of the County Council and Alderman Joseph Walker who represented the Burnopfield and Dipton Electoral Division for 16 years from 1985 to 2001 and was Chairman of the Council between 1995 and 1997;
· former Durham County Councillor, Derwentside District Councillor and Alderman Derek Hume who represented the Benfieldside Electoral Division on the County Council between 1985 to 1989 and the Benfieldside Ward on the District Council for 26 years from 1983;
· former Wear Valley District Councillor Walter Jones who lived in Bishop Auckland and died on 2 April;
· Lord Barnard, former Lord Lieutenant of County Durham who died on 3 April;
· former Councillor, Alderman and one-time Leader of Durham County Council, Don Robson, who served on the County Council for 20 years from 1981 to 2001 and 9 years on the former Council from 1965 to 1974. Councillor Robson represented the Leadgate and Medomsley Electoral Division and was Leader of the Council from 1989 to 2001. Don was awarded a CBE in 1997 for services to Local Government.
Councillors Henig, Martin. R Bell and Shuttleworth all paid tribute to Don Robson for his service to the Council and his achievements while Leader of the Council.