Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Chair announced with great sadness two deaths, former County Councillor and Alderwoman Joan Maslin and former County Councillor and Alderwoman Edna Hunter
Joan was elected to Durham County Council in May 2008 and served until May 2017. She was also elected to Easington District Council in 1979 and served for 30 years until April 2009.
Edna was elected to Durham County Council in 1997 and served until 2008. In May 2007 Edna made history by becoming the first female Chair of the County Council.
Members stood for a moments silence out of respect to Joan and Edna.