Durham council praised for ‘strong direction and stability’

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 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. 

Reform’s refreshed Council Plan includes key priorities to make the authority more efficient, supercharge the economy, build better communities, care for residents, and take a practical approach to environmental targets.

Andrew Husband, Reform leader of Durham County Council, welcomed the review’s findings. He said: “They are an excellent reflection of the hard work that takes place across the council on a daily basis and the commitment of staff to delivering excellent services for our communities.

Officers from the LGA interviewed more than 100 council representatives, including councillors, officers and staff, during the review in October 2025.

They assessed the council according to five core areas: local priorities and outcomes; organisational and place leadership; governance and culture; financial planning and management; and capacity for improvement.

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

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. 

The review also called on the authority to “further develop the council’s place leadership as part of the North East Combined Authority and County Durham Vision 2035” and “recognise and demonstrate the council’s leadership role in promoting social cohesion across the entire community.”

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.

Cllr Husband added: “We welcome the recommendations included in the report and our resulting action plan is already well underway. We look forward to the team returning later in the year to see the progress we have made.”

Members of the authority’s Cabinet will discuss the report when they meet on Wednesday (January 21).