The Durham County Council Cabinet met to discuss and approve an interim framework for the council's priorities, initiate a consultation on an Article 4 direction regarding changes of use for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), and review the council's financial planning and transformation strategies. The cabinet agreed to the recommendations in the reports presented.

Reform Interim Priorities and Council Plan

The cabinet agreed to an interim strategic framework for the council's priorities, pending consultation on a new council plan for 2025-2030. The framework is intended to provide clear direction to council officers and a statement of intent to the public, while the council consults on a new plan.

Steve Evans, head of corporate affairs, explained that the current council plan, approved in February 2025, no longer reflects the political priorities of the new administration. The updated plan will be evidence-based, current, and realistic, aligning strategic priorities with the authority's financial strategy and responding to local needs. The new plan will focus on:

• Reforming the council
• Supercharging the economy
• Building better communities
• Caring for people
• Practical environmental stewardship

Councillor Darren Grimes, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance, Policy and Communications, seconded the report, noting that the framework reflects the new administration's political will and focuses on making a difference to the people and businesses of County Durham.

Councillor John Shuttleworth asked how the reform groups can strive for good governance when they want free speech. Councillor Grimes responded that free speech is the foundation of good governance, allowing councillors to represent their constituents honestly and ensuring all sides of an argument are heard before decisions are made.

The framework builds on a motion by Councillor Grimes to prioritise resources and investment in children's social care and proposes declaring a 'care emergency'.

Article 4 Direction on Houses in Multiple Occupation

The cabinet approved the making of a non-immediate Article 4 direction to control the spread of HMOs¹ across the county. This will mean that planning permission will be required to convert dwelling houses (Class C3²) into small HMOs (Class C4³) with between three and six residents, in areas not already covered by existing Article 4 directions.

Tony Hanson, Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth, presented the report, explaining that the council already has three Article 4 directions in place covering Durham City, Framwellgate Moor, Newton Hall, and Pity Me, and Mount Oswald, Carrville and Belmont, due to concentrations of student HMO properties. There is now evidence of an increase in HMOs outside these areas, leading to concerns about the impact on residential amenity and local character.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that Article 4 directions should be limited to situations where necessary to protect local amenity or wellbeing. A non-immediate direction gives 12 months' notice before it comes into effect, avoiding liability for compensation claims.

Councillor David Freeman asked for the report to be approved by the government. Councillor Lyndsey Fox, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economy and Partnerships, responded that residents and interested parties are encouraged to respond to the consultation.

Councillor Joe Quinn thanked those who turned up outside with signs in support of Article 4, stating that the administration was elected on listening to the public.

Financial Planning and Transformation

The cabinet noted the council's financial planning and transformation work, which aims to identify savings and improve value for money. The report also sets out a process for incorporating work from the Reform UK unit into the council's processes, ensuring appropriate governance and controls are in place.

John Hewitt, Chief Executive, presented the report, which consolidates the council's work as it prepares its budget for 2026-27 and develops its transformation plans. The council's financial management arrangements are well documented, and its approach to identifying and delivering savings is well established.

The transformation program will be aligned to the council's medium-term financial planning processes, ensuring resources are directed to areas that can release savings and improve services. The Reform UK work will focus on key areas to assist in setting a balanced budget.

Councillor Grimes seconded the report, emphasising the importance of openness and transparency in aligning medium-term financial planning, transformation work, and the work of Reform UK.

The cabinet delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Resources, in consultation with the Leader, Deputy Leader, Portfolio holder for Finance, Policy and Communications, and Chief Executive, to agree on the scope, resourcing, and prioritisation of the planned reviews and work programme. They also delegated authority to the Director of Legal and Democratic Services to draft and agree on the terms of any agreements required to give effect to resourcing arrangements.