The Chair formally reported the deaths of former Councillors Ronald Dodd and Peter Harker.
Ronald Dodd represented the Tanfield Ward on Derwentside District Council from 1973-1989. He was also an Honorary Alderman.
Peter Harker was a former Councillor on Wear Valley District Council. He served two separate terms of office, representing the St Helens Auckland Ward from 1995 to 1999; and the West Auckland Ward from 2003-2007.
Members stood for a moments silence out of respect to Ronald and Peter.