Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Chair announced with great sadness two deaths, former Councillor and Alderman Mary Hawgood and former Councillor Ronnie Meir.
Mary represented the Newton Hall Electoral Division on the County Council from 1993 and 1997 and the Framwellgate Ward on Durham City Council between 1991 and 2003 and the Crossgate and Framwellgate Ward on the City Council between 2003 and 2007. Mary was also Mayor of Durham in 2004/05.
Ronnie represented the Seaham Electoral Division on Durham County Council between 2005 and 2008 and also served on Seaham Town Council.
Members stood for a moments silence out of respect to Mary and Ronnie.