Reform UK to deliver ‘common sense’ governance at Durham Council

Reform UK councillors have begun setting their priorities for the future of Durham County Council after gaining control of the local authority in May. 

Residents have been told the new administration wil priotitise core services to ensure public money is used wisely. 

Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Council Leader Andrew Husband said: “There are many challenges that face us and other local authorities up and down the country, many of which are driven by the choices made by national government. 

“However, this administration will provide common sense governance that makes sense to local people and which delivers value for money.”

The local authority’s revised priorities will be included in a new County Plan, following consultation over the summer, with other policies due to be presented to officers in the coming weeks. 

Cllr Husband added: “Going forward, we will deliver practical outcomes that our residents value. Progress will be explained in language that is clear and understandable to the public, avoiding technical and legal jargon.”

Cutting ‘waste’ has been one of the main policies cited by members so far, which the Reform administration hopes to achieveby setting up a department of local government efficiency (Doge) to audit the books. Teams of software engineers, data analysts and forensic auditors will visit and analyse local authorities the party controls throughout the country. 

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The latest performance review, presented to member this week, says the local authority is “showing strong economic performance across the county”. Key areas such as jobs, investment, demand for employment land and industrial premises, and employment are all favourable compared to previous years.  

The council’s strong performance culture was also praised, with Cllr Husband referencing a recent ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted of the council’s children’s services. 

He added: “This provides a sound footing for the new administration to work with officers and deliver on its mandate of waste reduction, reform, and improvement.”