Durham County Council

Plans to create 12 Local Networks across County Durham will be discussed next week. We’re proposing to replace our current 14 Area Action Partnerships (AAPs) with the 12 Local Networks from April 2025, to enhance capacity of local communities and individuals to become more involved in improving their area. Alongside this, the existing AAP Forum, made up of 15,000 people, will form a new countywide County Durham Community Network with increased opportunities to engage and help shape local network plans. It is expected that the new Local Networks will take over from the AAPs on 1 April 2025 to allow time to prepare for the council elections in May 2025 and ensure the four-year Local Network plans are aligned to the electoral cycle. Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “The new Local Networks and County Durham Community Network will allow us to strengthen existing partnership working to help identify and respond to any immediate challenges facing our communities. “The development of four-year action plans for each Local Network will also help us to build strong and resilient communities through a more strategic approach to their work, funding and outcomes. These plans will be informed by community views and a detailed understanding of the demographics of each network, putting residents at the heart of each network and giving them more opportunities to improve their own area.”

Every year, we encourage people to have more open conversations about their money – from pocket money to pensions – through our Talk Money Week campaign. This year, the campaign will be held between 4-8 November 2024 and we’re replacing the theme with a simple call to action: Do one thing. We’re asking you to encourage the people you employ, support or serve to do one thing that could make a positive difference to their financial wellbeing. It could be as simple as checking their credit score, talking to a child about pocket money or using one of the free tools or calculators on the MoneyHelper website. How we can support you The Government participation pack that can be downloaded here has a wealth of ideas, information, and resources on how to take part in the week. The communications toolkit provides branded assets to help you host and showcase your own activities for you and your employees/workers, customers, and clients. The goal of Talk Money Week Talk Money Week provides a platform to have a conversation about money between families and friends, at work or at school or any other walk of life. The goal is to empower people who may be feeling the squeeze, struggling with bills or worried about what the future may hold, to find a way forward. How to get involved? Durham County Council Financial ability team are hosting a couple of online sessions so you can get involved: Tuesday 5th 11.00am Reality check on your spending Thursday 7th 11.00am Reducing your food costs #TalkMoney #DoOneThing

Stay informed about global trade policies and changes at our upcoming International Trade Forum. Network with industry professionals and share best practices to stay ahead of the game. Don't miss out on this opportunity to contribute to Chamber activities! Discover the latest policy updates and insights on trade agreements in our community forum. Stay informed and join the conversation https://lnkd.in/gA5ue3Um

We have joined other North East local authorities using Open to procure future goods, works and services. Going forward, if you want to do business with us, you’ll need to register on Open. By joining Open, you'll have access to over 6,000 business opportunities every year across the region. Registration is free and easy to complete Register today 👉 www.open-uk.org Open is the new e-procurement solution, designed and developed by NEPO. Find out more 👉 www.nepo.org/open

We are consulting on the proposed creation of an A68 bypass for Toft Hill and High Etherley, which would be funded by our successful round one Levelling Up bid for Bishop Auckland. We are asking residents for their views on whether there is a desire for the bypass, as well as five possible options for the route. Letters have been sent to over 1,000 houses in the area outlining the proposed routes. Residents can return the paper surveys or take part in the consultation online. There will also be four online consultation events which members of the public can register to attend. If there is public support for the scheme, the comments received will be used to develop a planning application for the preferred route. Members of the public have until 5pm on Friday 29 November to take part in the consultation.

Take a look inside the refurbished pool at Spennymoor Leisure Centre. Including a thrilling slide, seaside splash, wave machine and classes for all ages. The pool is now open! #swimming #countydurham #leisure

The shortlist for the North East Culture Awards 2024 has been announced and we are thrilled to say The Story Durham is shortlisted for Best Museum or Cultural Venue and a performance by Public Service Broadcasting featuring NASUWT Riverside Band at Durham Cathedral, as part of Durham Brass Festival, is shortlisted for Performance of the Year. BRILLIANT (Lumiere & EMG Solicitors), a scheme that invites people from across the UK to submit an artwork idea for Lumiere Durham has also been shortlisted for Best Arts & Business Partnership. Winners will be revealed on 28 November during a ceremony at The Fire Station. #NECultureAwards

Our highways team were highly commended in the Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom Special Recognition Awards 2024 for best use of technology. 👏 At the Local Council Roads Innovation Group (LCRIG) the judges gave a highly commended award to Durham County Council in recognition of the council’s engagement with the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR). NUAR is a digital map of underground pipes and cables in England, Wales and Northern Ireland build by the Geospatial Commission, part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. NUAR lead to increased efficiency of data sharing and excavations, fewer accidental strikes on underground pipes and cables, and reduced disruptions for the public and businesses. The judges said: “Durham County Council are to be commended for the commitment to innovation and technology, it’s very refreshing to see a local authority having such an appetite for innovation and forward thinking.”

One year of Foster with North East 👪 It's officially been one year since we joined with 11 other local authorities across the north east in a trailblazing partnership to increase the number of foster carers in our region. Foster with North East was the first regional support hub to launch, and as a result of its success, multiple other local authorities have now joined together across the country to increase the recruitment of foster carers. Our fostering team celebrated with staff and foster carers from the other 11 local authorities. We also welcomed multiple newly approved foster carers into our big fostering family. Learn more about Foster with North East and take the first step to becoming a foster carer at https://lnkd.in/d2A6atZT 

💼 Head of Inclusive Growth & Partnerships County Durham is a vibrant and diverse place supported by an ambitious County Council. Home a vast science parks, with a global leading university and 15,000 businesses, alongside 20,00 million visitors Durham has exceptional quality and potential. As the largest local authority in the North East and a population of 532,000 residents, our aspirations and commitment for our communities and our place mean that we push hard for success. We now have a fantastic opportunity to appoint an innovative and forward-thinking leader to help drive our exciting agenda forward. The role reports to our Corporate Director, Regeneration, Economy and Growth, and will be a key member of the senior management team of the directorate, helping us to deliver what our economy needs, delivering more and better jobs in an inclusive, green, economy. Apply today: https://shorturl.at/0Bg7q