Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Resources which presented progress towards achieving the key outcomes of the Council’s corporate performance framework (for copy see file of minutes). 

The Chair, Councillor Simon Henig, Leader of the Council, commended officers for the detailed report which included a summary of the major challenges faced during 2020, including the economic downturn.  He added that areas of concern, arising from the impact of COVID-19, will continue to be monitored.

Councillor Napier, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance, referred to the many areas of excellent performance commenting this was testament to the hard work and dedication of staff and local members, and, he thanked all those who had continued to deliver services to such a high standard.

Councillor Napier spoke of the impact of deindustrialisation on County Durham and how the Council had worked hard, over the years, to provide more and better paid jobs. He expressed concern at details in the report of the recent increase in the Universal Credit claimant count, saying this illustrated the impact of COVID-19. Councillor Napier also referred to uncertainty with regard to a combination of factors, including the impact of COVID-19, the position on the UK transition, and, the lack of information from government on the Shared Prosperity Fund. He called upon government to ensure County Durham receives its fair share of the fund, and, to make clear its intentions to level up the County. 

Resolved:

That the report be noted.