Minutes:
The Chair informed Council that the meeting had a lengthy agenda and sought agreement from to waive standing orders to allow for the extension of the meeting should it go beyond 2 and a half hours, and if time allowed for motions goes beyond 30 minutes. Seconded by Councillor O Johnson.
Resolved:
That standing orders be waived to allow for the extension of the meeting should it go beyond 2 and a half hours, and if time allowed for motions goes beyond 30 minutes.
The Chair congratulated everyone from County Durham who were acknowledged in the Queens New Year Honours.
The Chair thanked staff who had continued to work incredibly hard during the pandemic. While the festive period had provided a short respite for some, many staff had worked during this time. The Chair expressed her gratitude and thanks to all Council staff for all they had done over the past year and was sure that all Members would agree that the Council place on record its thanks.