Durham County Council Sparks Controversy by Scrapping Climate Emergency Declaration
Published 16 July 2025
Highlights
- Durham County Council, led by Reform UK, has rescinded its climate emergency declaration from 2019, opting instead to declare a social care emergency.
- The decision has sparked controversy, with critics labeling it as "cynical and insulting," arguing that climate action has saved the council £13 million in the past year.
- Reform UK councillors argue that the focus should shift to addressing the "critical and escalating crisis" in children's social care, including SEND provision.
- The council's move has been met with protests from campaigners and opposition councillors, who emphasize the importance of continued climate action.
- The decision marks a significant shift in local government priorities, with potential implications for future environmental and social policies.
In a contentious move, Durham County Council, dominated by Reform UK, has voted to rescind its 2019 climate emergency declaration, opting instead to declare a social care emergency. The decision, which has drawn sharp criticism from opposition councillors and environmental campaigners, reflects a significant shift in the council's priorities.
A Shift in Priorities
The motion to revoke the climate pledge was spearheaded by Deputy Council Leader Darren Grimes, who criticized the previous declaration as "expensive virtue-signalling tripe." Instead, the council has chosen to focus on what it describes as a "critical and escalating crisis" in children's social care, including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision.
Reform UK councillors argue that the new focus will better address the needs of local residents. "We seek to declare a real care emergency that's devouring our kids and coffers in tandem," Grimes stated. The council's decision comes despite its previous success in implementing green technologies and achieving significant carbon reduction.
Opposition and Criticism
The decision has not been without controversy. Liberal Democrat councillor Mark Wilkes condemned the move as "cynical and insulting," pointing out that the council's climate action had saved £13 million in the past year. He argued that abandoning the climate pledge could jeopardize future funding and investments in social care.
Campaigners gathered outside Durham County Hall to protest the decision, with banners warning of the ongoing climate emergency. Green Party councillor Jonathan Elmer criticized the Reform-led council for stoking controversy rather than seeking cross-party consensus on social care issues.
Broader Implications
The council's decision marks a significant departure from the actions of over 300 local authorities in the UK that have declared a climate emergency. Reform UK councillors, however, maintain that their approach is driven by data and common sense, with Council Leader Andrew Husband referencing historical climate conditions to support their stance.
What this might mean
The decision by Durham County Council to rescind its climate emergency declaration could have far-reaching implications for local and national environmental policies. Critics argue that it sets a concerning precedent, potentially undermining efforts to combat climate change at a time when global action is crucial. The move may also influence other councils considering similar shifts in priorities, prompting debates on the balance between environmental and social care needs.
As the council navigates this new direction, it will be essential to monitor the impact on both social care services and environmental initiatives. The decision could lead to increased scrutiny from environmental groups and potentially affect the council's ability to secure future funding for green projects. Ultimately, the council's actions may serve as a litmus test for the evolving priorities of local governments across the UK.
