Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Chair announced with great sadness the deaths of former Derwentside District and Alderman Councillor Jack Pallas and former Durham City Councillor and Alderman John George Cowper.
Jack was elected to represent the Havannah Ward on Derwentside District Council in May 1991 and served until 2003. Jack was made an Alderman in 2009.
John served on Durham City Council from 1991 until 2009 and was a former Mayor of Durham City in 2001. John was made an Alderman in 2009.
Members stood for a moments silence out of respect to Jack and John.