Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Chair reported with regret the passing of the following:
· former Durham County Councillor and Alderman Clive Robson who represented the Consett North Electoral Division for 16 years from 1997 to 2013. Clive was a former Cabinet member and was awarded a British Empire Medal for services to the community in 2014.
· former Easington District Councillor and Alderman Alan Lockyear. Alan was a well-known Seaham Councillor and former Chair of Easington District Council who served on the District Council from 1973 to 1999 until being seriously injured in the infamous Southall rail crash on 1997.
· former City of Durham Councillor and Alderman Joe Anderson. Joe represented the Croxdale Ward on the City of Durham Council from 1973 to 2003 and was twice Mayor of the City of Durham in 1980/81 and 1996/97.
Members gave a moments reflection out of respect to Clive, Alan and Joe.