Council Plan 2025-2030

Consultation feedback and what next

The new administration has set out a fresh vision for the future.

To reflect these new priorities, we’ve developed a brand-new Council Plan for 2025–2030. This new plan builds on the interim framework we consulted on and sets out our goals and commitments for the years ahead.

Listening to You: How We Shaped the Plan

In line with national best practice, we began by asking residents and service users for their views. Between 22 July and 18 August, we ran a public consultation and engagement exercise to help shape the new plan.

Here’s how we gathered your feedback:

• 3,635 people took part in our survey, either online through Let’s Talk or using paper copies available in libraries — a big increase from 307 responses in 2024.
• We received 94 emails with detailed comments and held two online consultation events attended by 52 people, where residents could ask questions and share their views.
• To spread the word, we promoted the consultation widely on social media, reaching over 113,000 people and generating 214 comments.
• We also contacted over 142,000 residents directly, where we had permission, using our customer relations system.

To make sure we heard from a wide range of voices, we worked closely with our partners and networks, including:

• The County Durham Partnership, Local Area Networks, and the voluntary and community sector.
• Groups representing young people, staff, and local councils.
• Organisations supporting marginalised or less visible communities.

We received seven responses from partner organisations, helping ensure the consultation was inclusive and representative.

The feedback showed strong support for the council’s high-level ambitions, giving us confidence that the new plan reflects the priorities of our residents.

Consultation responses to the question 'do you agree or disagree with our ambitions for the next five years'. Between 37% - 51% of responses strongly agreed with the five ambitions.

Public consultation feedback

The following provides an overview of the public consultation feedback: 

Reforming the Council 

Many people called for greater transparency and accountability in council decisions, requesting clearer communication and more accessible performance data. Concerns were raised about bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies, with widespread support for streamlining processes and eliminating duplication. There was a strong desire to ensure value for money, including spending audits and protection for essential services. While digital services are generally welcomed, some fear they could exclude vulnerable groups, so face-to-face and phone options remain important. Feedback also highlighted worries about overstaffing and unclear roles, with broad support for fair recruitment, staff development, and apprenticeships within the council. 

Supercharging Our Economy 

Supercharging the economy drew strong feedback from the community, who emphasised the need to support local businesses through lower rates and targeted assistance for small enterprises. There were concerns that streamlining of planning processes could undermine vital environmental protections. Many called for improved investment in transport, broadband and public services to drive growth. Many respondents also wanted to see support for sustainable industries and training in green sectors and called for the promotion of local tourism and heritage. Finally, respondents wanted accessible skills training, especially for young people and those in disadvantaged areas, to better align with the evolving job market. 

Building Better Communities 

Concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour were raised, with calls for both stronger enforcement and preventative measures. People expressed a clear desire for cleaner streets, parks, and public spaces, as well as improved transport and digital connectivity, particularly in rural areas. There was support for inclusive community hubs and local initiatives, along with a wish for genuine consultation and fair representation, especially for marginalised groups. Respondents also called for more affordable and social housing, better regulation of landlords, and balanced communities, while highlighting the need for regeneration and equitable investment in town centres. 

Caring for Our People 

Feedback highlighted strong support for early intervention and holistic family services, along with better provision for children with SEND and mental health needs. There was an emphasis on preventative health measures, improved access to local services, and the importance of personal responsibility for wellbeing. While opinions were mixed regarding private sector involvement in care services, there was broad agreement on the need for high-quality, individualised care that helps people maintain their independence. 

A Practical Environmental Stewardship 

Feedback emphasised the need for simpler recycling processes, increased education, and improved bin services. Concerns were also raised about air pollution, with strong support for clean air initiatives. People expressed a desire to safeguard green spaces, enhance biodiversity, and invest in preserving heritage sites. There were concerns raised regarding a reduced focus on climate change initiatives and net zero targets, but support for practical, locally beneficial environmental actions.  

Partner Feedback 

The County Durham Association of Local Councils expressed a desire for more timely consultations and greater involvement in local networks, while the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service supported the ambitions, especially those relating to safety, prevention, and partnership working. The MP for the City of Durham and individual parish council responses welcomed the ambitions but called for more detail and a stronger emphasis on climate, social equity, and road safety. Transport partners and the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner endorsed the objectives, highlighting the need for improvements in public transport, crime prevention, and greater collaboration. 

Staff involvement

To encourage our staff to participate in the development of the plan we attended all directorate management teams and where requested, service extended management teams. Extensive staff communication was undertaken including a direct email to all staff from the Chief Executive, an article in buzz weekly and a news item published on the intranet. We also held an online consultation event with members of the staff network.  

Member involvement

To encourage engagement from elected members we sent a briefing note to all councillors, and posted an update on the members’ portal, offering them the opportunity to contribute.  

The plan was presented to Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Management Board on 31 July for scrutiny and input. Discussions regarding the development of the detail of the council's performance management framework are ongoing with all scrutiny committees. 

Decision making

After considering all the feedback from the public consultation and service engagement we have produced a new council plan. The report was approved by Cabinet and the County Council in October 2025. Visit https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/2366/Council-Plan to view the Plan.