Well it would appear that the Council does not consider it important for councillors to know what is going on. It is now over week since my request to question the authority.

UPDATE:

Having not received a response to my request for meeting for Councillors I have today emailed all members and relvant officers with the following:

I thank you for your update yesterday. You may be aware that I have contacted Mr McDermott at CCU, Cllrs Henig, Hovvels and Armstrong as well as Assistant Chief Exec Lorraine O’Donnell to ask when councillors will be able to question the CCU, PCT and other bodies about their emergency strategy. Do date I have not received an answer to this question from anyone and am increasingly concerned that in the event of a serious emergency situation members will not be briefed at an early enough opportunity.  I point out the CCU statement in  yesterdays press release: It is important that Local Authorities take the opportunity to review their existing level of planning and preparation and satisfy themselves that systems are in place to protect the staff and the public in the event that this situation develops.   I have copied members and relevant officers  in on this email and look forward to being told by someone when the CCU, Council and other bodies will be organizing a meeting for members to discuss whether or not we are prepared for a public emergency in County Durham. 

Tuesday 28th April This morning I wrote to the Leader of the Council and spoken with the Civil Contingencies Unit which overseas emergency management, to ask for councillors to be given the opportunity to ask questions in relation to what is being done in County Durham in realation to the current flu outbreak, and also to ask general questions on emergency strategy and implementation in County Durham.I would like to see a seminar for Councillors involving the CCU, County Council, PCT, Fire, Police  and other relevant organisations to ensure that we are currently up to scratch and in a position to deal with any pubilc emergency.A previous seminar last year was not attended by all councillors, and this is an ideal situation to test whether or not our public bodies are fully prepared for a public emergency.