New political map for Durham County Council

Durham County Council is set to have new boundaries for its council divisions. 

New divisions for County Durham
Click map for high resolution version
Credit: contains Ordnance Survey data (c) Crown copyright and database rights 2023

The Local Government Boundary Commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries. It has reviewed County Durham to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that division arrangements will help the council work effectively. 

The Commission has published final recommendations for changes in County Durham. It says residents should be represented by 98 councillors. This is 28 fewer than current arrangements.

There will be 51 divisions and nine three-councillor divisions, 29 two-councillor divisions and 13 one-councillor divisions. The boundaries of most divisions should change.

Publishing the recommendations Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said:

“We are very grateful to people in County Durham. We looked at all the views they gave us. They helped us improve our earlier proposals. 

We believe the new arrangements will deliver electoral fairness while maintaining local ties.” 

371 people and organisations made comments to help decide the new divisions. Changes in response to what local people said include: 

• Significant changes to the divisions in the Consett area
• A revised pattern of divisions for the Teesdale and West Auckland areas

The Commission has made further changes to its earlier proposals. Details can be found on its website at www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/county-durham 

The changes become law once Parliament has approved them. Staff at the council will ensure that the arrangements are in place for the 2025 elections. 

Ends/

Notes to editors: 

This consultation relates to arrangements for local government elections. It is separate from the review of parliamentary constituencies that has recently concluded.

For further information contact the Commission’s press office on 0330 500 1525 / 1250 or email press@lgbce.org.uk 

An interactive map is available at www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/county-durham   

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is an independent body accountable to Parliament. It recommends fair electoral and boundary arrangements for local authorities in England. In doing so, it aims to:

• Make sure that, within an authority, each councillor represents a similar number of electors

• Create boundaries that are appropriate, and reflect community ties and identities

• Deliver reviews informed by local needs, views and circumstances

• Reflect the request for single-member divisions