Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive which provided an update on issues being addressed by the County Durham Partnership (CDP), which includes the CDP Board, Forum, Thematic Partnerships and Area Action Partnerships (AAPs) across the county (for copy of report, see file of minutes).

The Leader of the Council commented that the Partnership update always provided a welcome reminder of what could be done working together, both strategically and in individual local communities.

In May, the County Durham Partnership Board reaffirmed its active support for the Vision of the County Durham Together Partnership; working with those communities most in need, to empower, build resilience and utilise local community assets.

In February, the County Durham Partnership Forum sought to understand what more could be done to help new arrivals settling in the County through humanitarian support schemes, and how to support communities to deal with associated changes. County Durham Partnership Board members and Area Action Partnership Chairs were full of admiration for the bravery and commitment shown by two volunteers, who shared their first-hand experience of the schemes and how they were helping others arriving in County Durham.

The cost of living crisis continued to put immense strain on individuals and families across the county. Funding had been secured through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to expand ‘The Bread-and-Butter Thing’ network from 15 to 20 hubs across the County so more families could benefit from access to affordable food in our communities.

Data poverty was also being tackled through the creation of 26 Digital Hubs to support neighbourhoods with the provision of connectivity through devices and skills programmes, and through the launch of a National Databank providing free mobile data, texts and calls to people in need.

The Safe Durham Partnership had built upon the Partnerships’ move towards simpler easy-to-digest strategies, focused on areas where the Partnership can have most impact in the areas that matter to our residents. The best way to mitigate the impact of national challenges at a local level, was to listen to feedback of resident’s experiences, work with residents to deliver solutions, and with partners, reduce duplication and make a difference for people in their communities.

The County Durham Partnership was key to this approach, and the Leader of the Council celebrated the level of commitment from across the county.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.