Reform UK outline ambitions for running Durham County Council

Durham County Council detailed how it hopes to achieve its vision of making the authority more efficient, supercharging the economy, building better communities, caring for residents, and taking a practical approach to environmental targets. 

The new administration will also undertake a review of council spending as part of an ambition to ensure residents receive value for money.

Council Leader Andrew Husband said: “Our aim is to prioritise the immediate, tangible needs of County Durham’s residents, and deliver efficient, effective services that residents can see, value and afford.”

Reform UK made history in the county in the recent local election to gain control of the local authority by holding 63 of the 98 available seats. 

An initial framework setting out the focus for the authority’s work over the next four years will be discussed by cabinet members on Monday (July 21).  A public consultation on the proposals will be held later this year. 

Cllr Husband added: “The framework we have set out for the next four years aims to do just that, giving a clear directive of meeting the needs of our communities, while also providing services in the most cost-effective way possible.”

Further details of the party’s plans for the future of Durham County Council include:

1. Reforming the council for efficiency – ensuring taxpayers’ money is spent wisely and well by:

· Streamlining processes and ensuring decision-making is accessible to residents

· Delivering value for money while protecting frontline services

· Ensuring a workforce that is fit for the future.

2. Supercharging our economy – making County Durham the best place in the north east to do business by:

· Supporting local businesses to start, grow and succeed

· Attracting investment and developing the county’s economic strengths

· Giving residents the skills and opportunities for good careers

3. Building better communities – that are connected, safe, clean and thriving by:

· Creating communities that are digitally connected, and are safe, clean and attractive places to live

· Ensuring residents shape local priorities and see their concerns addressed

· Supporting those who need help while encouraging self-reliance

· Ensuring there are good-quality homes that working families can afford

· Keeping towns and villages vibrant and well-maintained

4. Caring for our people – supporting those who need it by:

· Supporting families to thrive and stay together, ensuring children are protected and have safe, loving homes.

· Providing excellent care for vulnerable children and adults

· Helping residents live healthy, independent lives

· Ensuring effective, high-quality, sustainable care services focused on prevention

5. A practical environmental stewardship – practical, not ideological:

· Efficient waste management and recycling

· Keeping our air clean

· Maintaining the beautiful natural and built heritage environment

· Focusing on practical environmental improvements and efficiency savings built on evidence-based business cases

Recommended reading: 

• Reform UK vows to deliver 'common sense' governance in County Durham
• Reform appeals to rescind County Durham 'climate emergency'

Council leaders say an initial £31 million worth of savings will need to be made next year due to the rising demand in social care. 

Cllr Darren Grimes, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for finance, policy and communications, said: “It’s important that we provide financial stability for the council.

“One of our key priorities is ensuring the organisation is efficient and effective, while providing the best possible value for money for residents, and this will drive forward our financial planning as well as shaping the way in which we provide services over the next four years.”