Reform leader praises Durham Council after positive external review

Durham County Council was the subject of a Corporate Peer Challenge by the Local Government Association (LGA), which highlighted the authority’s “strong and unified culture”.

The challenge process is designed to support local councils in improving their performance and governance.

The review identified “strong strategic direction and stability” within the new administration after Reform UK gained overall control of the local authority at the May 2025 local elections. The council’s partnership working and commitment to community engagement were also praised. 

Andrew Husband, Reform council leader at Durham County Council. (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

Andrew Husband, leader of Durham County Council, praised officers, members and councillors from the local authority who took part in the review in October 2025.

He told cabinet members at a meeting on Wednesday (January 21): “The resulting report is very positive, capturing many of the strengths at Durham County Council and acknowledging the scale of change we have been going through since the elections in May. 

“Much of that change is now starting to bear fruit, and that is thanks to the officers and members working together to ensure we deliver the best possible services to the people of County Durham. 

“I am particularly pleased that the report captures how well Durham County Council is run: strategically, operationally, financially, and specifically, the strong officer relationships we are developing. 

“There is no chaos in County Durham. That is a testament to us all.”

The challenge process is designed to support local councils in improving their performance and governance.

Although the local authority was largely praised, the review warned there is a risk that progress could slow due to a challenging financial environment and the number of councillors new to local government leadership.

The report stated: “As this work begins from a standing start, it will take time to clearly define and communicate these priorities to officers, partners, and the wider community, which could delay how quickly the council adapts to future challenges.”

Among several recommendations, the LGA urged the council to establish a comprehensive transformation programme to address the budget gap and drive sustainable change, and develop a refreshed digital strategy. 

Durham County Council is now required to develop and publish an action plan in response to the LGA review. A progress update will take place later this year to assess the council’s implementation of the recommendations.

Darren Grimes, deputy leader of the council, said: “Durham County Council is now required to develop and publish an action plan in response to the LGA review. A progress review will take place later this year to assess the council’s implementation of the recommendations.”

The positive outcome was also welcomed by Amanda Hopgood, former council leader and Liberal Democrat member, who commissioned the review as part of the former Joint Administration in charge of the authority. 

She said: “I am delighted that the current leadership have finally acknowledged that the council they took control of in May 2025 was indeed a high-performing, well-regarded, and financially sound council. I sincerely hope for the sake of every resident in this great County that the next peer review reads the same.”