A to Z of services

Durham County Council is a 'unitary' council.  It is made up of an elected assembly of 126 councillors accountable to almost 500,000 people in County Durham. The council is responsible for providing a wide range of public services to the people of the county.

The council also represents and promotes the interests of County Durham when dealing with regional, national and international affairs. Through effective local government, Durham County Council allows local people to look after their own affairs and to decide how and where money is best spent in their area.

The council's powers and responsibilities are determined by Parliament with county council elections held every four years.