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Newly elected Reform councillors outside Durham County Hall. Picture: Stuart Boulton Council leaders say the authority’s finances have been “stabilised” despite mounting care pressures in County Durham, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.

People in North East England are being asked if they support plans to bring more than 500 bus routes back into public control, as Mayor Kim McGuinness sets out proposals to end decades of cuts and create a single, affordable, safe and convenient network. The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA) today launched a major public consultation on a proposed Bus Franchising Scheme, following Mayor Kim’s’ pledge to improve buses for people in the North East when she was first elected.

Durham County Council’s decision to buy 25 homes for young people in care has been praised for helping reduce long-term costs, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar. Earlier this year, the local authority approved plans to spend £3.9 million on purchasing the properties for young people leaving care or requiring supported accommodation.

Youngsters in Spennymoor now have more reason to take up football thanks to free sessions jointly funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen. The County Durham and Darlington PCC is working in partnership with the force, Spennymoor Town Football Club and Livin Housing Association to tackle public concerns about anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the town centre, contributing £5k to a £20k project to increase accessibility to the big game in the town.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness at Haymarket bus station in Newcastle city centre. Bringing the North East’s buses back under public control would result in cheaper fares and millions of extra journeys every year compared to if they are left in the hands of private companies, according to a review of mayor Kim McGuinness’ plans, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Daniel Holland.

Following a record breaking 2025, one of the North East’s favourite festive experiences is set to return bigger, better and brighter this Christmas, with early bird tickets for AGLOW now on sale.

Durham County Council's planning committee approved an application by Miller Homes to remove a condition attached to planning permission for its 288-home development off Iveston Lane, near Delves Lane. A housebuilder has been allowed to scrap a requirement to improve a County Durham roundabout despite a warning that the junction is “extremely dangerous”, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.

Durham County Council’s Chairman, Cllr Robbie Rodiss, presenting an award to Michael Laing. A 45-year contribution to rowing and promoting access to the sport for young people across County Durham has been recognised. The Chairman’s Medal, which is the highest civic honour awarded in County Durham, has been given to Michael Laing, the chair of St Leonard’s School Boat Club.

Cervo Deer Violin, photographed in the Stibbert Gardens, Florence. Photo: Lindora Film. Auckland Palace will host the world premiere of the world’s only handcrafted “deer” cello this summer, as internationally renowned and award-winning luthier Paris Andrew unveils her extraordinary new creation during a special event celebrating the completion of Auckland Palace’s Cart Shed Garden.

(L-R): PC Robert Booth, Andrea Patterson (ASB Victims Champion), PC Bethany Ridley and Steven Bell (Community Safety Coordinator). A high-profile campaign is being relaunched to empower rural communities to stand up to anti-social behaviour (ASB) and get the support they need. Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has refreshed her ‘Don’t Suffer in Silence’ campaign to raise awareness of how to report ASB across rural areas of Durham and Darlington.