Agenda item

(i)              Joint Report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships and the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services

(ii)             Presentation by the Environment and Design Manager and Senior Design and Conservation Officer

The Committee considered the joint report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships and the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services that provided Members with an overview of the development, progress and current processes of the County Durham Environmental Awards with a view to continuing to strengthen community, partner and Member engagement in its delivery (for copy of report, see file of minutes).

Members received a presentation from the Environment and Design Manager and Senior Design and Conservation Officer that focused on the aims, objectives, funding issues and promotion of the Environmental Awards in the County (for copy see file of minutes).

Councillor Armstrong confirmed that he had been involved with the Awards when they had first been established and they had strengthened and developed over the years into a fantastic scheme.  He suggested that the presentation was sent to all Area Action Partnerships, as they would be able to assist in promoting the Awards scheme and in encouraging local community projects to participate.

Mr Bolton referred to funding and budget limitations and suggested that supermarkets were approached to assist with sponsorship as many had allocated funding for community schemes.  The Chairman confirmed that her own local supermarket invested the proceeds from the sale of carrier bags, into local community projects.  The Environment and Design Manager confirmed that most supermarket chains were approached annually and had sponsored past events, and so it would be worthwhile renewing those contacts to see if any current funding was available.  Sponsorship was becoming increasingly difficult to attract as potential sponsors were looking for proof that sponsoring this event would result in an increase business.

Councillor May confirmed that he had been employed for a private company and part of his role was to consider requests for sponsorship.  He confirmed that one of the main priorities to consider was what the company would gain from the sponsorship.  He continued that he currently still met with a local business forum of an industrial estate and was aware that these took place in other localities, and could be an excellent platform to present information to.

Councillor Graham advised that Business Durham would be a useful point of contact as they had links with various business networks in the county, including business forums. The Environment and Design Manager confirmed that although his team was relatively small, they were willing to provide a presentation to business groups, although he confirmed that the time would be limited as promoting the scheme was only a small part of a role.

Councillor Jewell suggested that social media was used to its full potential in order to raise the profile of the campaign.

Councillor Kellet commented that Keepmoat was a northern-based housing company which could therefore perhaps provide sponsorship to the Awards.  He continued by suggesting that all local housing providers in the County should be contacted.

Councillor Milburn queried whether Durham County Council had a policy on innovative design and the Environment and Design Manager confirmed that he was engaged in discussions with Planning colleagues to liaise on the development of schemes and ensuring focus on design standards.

Resolved

That the report and presentation be noted.