Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Chairman of the County Council with great sadness reported the deaths of:
· former Durham County Councillor, Wear Valley District Councillor and West Auckland Parish Councillor Andrew (Andy) Turner. Andy was a Wear Valley District Councillor from 1999-2003 and served on Durham County Council from 2008-2017 representing the West Auckland Division and Evenwood Division over two terms of office.
· former Durham City Councillor Robert (Bob) Wynn. Bob served on Durham City Council for 10 years from May 1999 to 2009 representing the Elvet Ward and Crossgate and Framwelgate Ward and served as Mayor of the City of Durham in 2007-08.
The Council stood for a moments silence as a mark of respect.