Category: Politics

Reports suggest there will be a large reduction in the number of police forces across the country. There are 43 forces across England and Wales, three of which are in the North East. Cleveland Police covers four out of the five local authorities that make up the Tees Valley (Middlesbrough, Stockton, Redcar and Hartlepool). Meanwhile,…

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…

Paul Sexton, Reform member for Chester-le-Street South, faced four allegations relating to his conduct in 2023 when he was an Independent councillor.  One complaint relating to Cllr Sexton raised concerns about his “alleged ill treatment of staff and bullying and harassment of council officers”.  A Durham County Council Standards Hearing Panel was held in private…

The Tory mayor said that he has “always” been a Conservative and had a pop at Reform’s economic credibility when asked about a potential defection. Reporting from the Financial Times has outlined so far “unsuccessful” attempts from Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, to get Lord Houchen to jump ship to the political party that…

The Tory mayor said that he has “always” been a Conservative and had a pop at Reform’s economic credibility when asked about a potential defection. Reporting from the Financial Times has outlined so far “unsuccessful” attempts from Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, to get Lord Houchen to jump ship to the political party that…

The Tory mayor said that he has “always” been a Conservative and had a pop at Reform’s economic credibility when asked about a potential defection. Reporting from the Financial Times has outlined so far “unsuccessful” attempts from Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, to get Lord Houchen to jump ship to the political party that…

Durham County Council said it will receive £51.4 million across three years as part of the latest local government funding settlement, despite claims from regional MPs that £170 million has been awarded.  The money is designed to improve the local authority’s core spending power and can be used to pay for services like bin collections,…

The unnamed motorist had been licensed with the council for 16 years, from August 2008 until his licence was revoked in August 2024, say minutes of a Stockton Council licensing committee meeting. Cleveland Police disclosed he had been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and affray, councillors were told. Members of…

Conservative Councillor David Coupe showed the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) around part of his Stainton & Thornton ward to see potholes galore, just as the town has been positively recognised by a new national system measuring how councils look after their roads. The Department for Transport has graded local highway authorities across England, awarding them…

Conservative Councillor David Coupe showed the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) around part of his Stainton & Thornton ward to see potholes galore, just as the town has been positively recognised by a new national system measuring how councils look after their roads. The Department for Transport has graded local highway authorities across England, awarding them…