Minutes:
The Chair reported with regret the deaths of former County Councillor Harry Bennett and Alderman and former Sedgefield Borough Councillor, Frank Forrest.
Harry was elected to the County Council in 2013 where he served the Peterlee East Electoral Division until May 2021.
Frank was a former Chilton member for Sedgefield Borough Council between 1995 to 2009 and was made an Honorary Alderman in 2009.
Members stood for a moments silence out of respect to Harry and Frank.
The Chair informed Members that photographs would be taken during the course of the meeting and that the traditional Council photograph would be taken at the end of the meeting.
The Chair informed Council that earlier this month, communities across the county came together to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
It had been wonderful to see so many County Durham residents honouring such an historic occasion with street parties and parades.
The council had marked the event in a number of ways, including displaying a portrait of the new monarch on the town halls in Durham and Bishop Auckland. The World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral was also lit in the colours of the union flag.
On behalf of the council, the Chair formally congratulated His Majesty King Charles III on his Coronation and wished him well for the future of his reign.
The Chair extended a warm welcome to Councillor Julie Scurfield, the recently elected Member for the Chester le Street East Division.
The Chair was pleased to announce that the Chair’s charities for the forthcoming year would be the Durham Association of Boys and Girls Clubs and The Alzheimer’s Society.
The Chair reminded all Members of their obligations under the Code of Conduct and asked that all Members address each other in the correct manner during meetings and show respect at all times.