'No chaos' in Durham County Council, Reform UK deputy says

'No chaos' in Durham County Council, Reform UK deputy says

Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, has emphasized that there is no turmoil in the councils under his party’s administration, and there are strategies in place to achieve “hundreds of millions of pounds” in savings. In a discussion with the BBC, Tice rejected the notion that his party had introduced chaos to County Durham Council following the resignation of two councillors, leading to by-elections, and the suspension of a third. He stated, “There’s no chaos, there is success. We are saving money, identifying waste and voters like that.”

Looking ahead to the local elections next year, Tice expressed confidence in Reform UK’s prospects for further success, particularly in the north-east of England. The upcoming May 2026 elections will encompass all-out council elections in Sunderland, Newcastle, South Tyneside, and Gateshead, along with a third of seats in North Tyneside. Tice indicated that Reform UK aims to perform exceedingly well, with plans to contest every seat. Visits to Sunderland have garnered considerable support, with Tice anticipating that individuals will want to benefit from the party’s accomplishments in County Durham.

The focus of Reform UK is directed towards delivering savings for council taxpayers and advancing significantly in this endeavor. Despite challenges such as the resignation of councillor John Bailey due to ill-health and controversies surrounding other members, the party remains committed to its objective. Tice highlighted the party’s proposal to reform the management of council pension funds, envisioning potential savings of hundreds of millions of pounds that could be utilized to reduce council tax or enhance services like social care. Pensions UK has raised skepticism regarding the feasibility of such substantial savings, emphasizing the need for evidence-backed policy changes.

As Durham County Council engages in consultations regarding potential adjustments to the council tax support scheme, Tice remains resolute that all residents will benefit from plans to eliminate wasteful expenditure. The Milburngate development in Durham and a waste reduction initiative are among the initiatives under consideration, reflecting Reform UK’s commitment to fiscal prudence and efficient governance

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