A plea for extra funding to support council services in County Durham has been backed by Labour members. 

Labour leader Carl Marshall warned the impact of the cost-of-living crisis means “people are having to make difficult decisions in their lives - and we’ve seen the impact across our communities.” 

Such financial pressures are also impacting Durham County Council and its ability to deliver key services. 

Around £22 million in cuts are needed for 2025/26 to help balance the budget next year and beyond. Overall, it is currently £64.1 million short over the next four years - a higher amount than previously forecast due to growing unfunded budget pressures, primarily in children’s social care and home-to-school transport.

Durham County Council recently issued an urgent plea for extra government funding to protect front-line services. 

Council Leader Amanda Hopgood said the council has continued to campaign for more support but is yet to receive a significant lifeline and faces potential “severe cuts” in the future. 

Speaking at a scrutiny meeting, Cllr Marshall said: “I will continue to be a champion for County Durham, and whether I agree with the national government or not, I’ll always put people and this council first. I hope we will see a longer-term funding settlement that redistributes wealth around County Durham where it’s really needed. 

“We can’t ignore the fact that the budget setting process is probably one of the most difficult we face. We’re having to effectively move money around now to balance the books. 

“We are going to need to make some really difficult decisions to make sure that the council has a demand-led budget and also lives within our means.”

Councillor Anne Reed told the meeting that the council’s social care services have been particularly affected by funding challenges. “The past few years have been the most difficult times I’ve ever experienced,” she said. 

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Independent member Alex Watson said the council was doing everything it could to maintain people’s quality of life despite being “clobbered” by financial challenges. 

And the council played down claims it was spending more money than it could afford. 

Rob Davisworth, head of corporate finance & commercial services, said: “I don’t think we’re living beyond our means. An issue is the fact that external factors beyond our control can overtake us. Some of the mitigation measures we’re putting in place cannot keep pace with the additional pressures we are facing, particularly children’s social care.”