Embarrassment for Darren Grimes’ Reform council as it faces £83 million financial black hole

So much for cutting wasteful expenditure and ensuring sound public finances! Durham County Council, where Darren Grimes is the deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, is facing a budget shortfall of more than £80 million!

Reform, who have vowed to improve local government efficency and balance the books, are now realising that it’s not quite as easy as thought. Of course, when populist rhetoric collides with reality, it all falls apart for Nigel Farage’s Party.

The situation at Durham is even more embarassing for Reform, when you factor in that it was supposed to be one of the party’s flagship councils where they would showcase what they could do in government. So far it’s been a disaster for the party.

The Northern Echo reports that: “Durham County Council is predicting an £83.662 million funding gap over the next four years and says major savings will be needed to balance the books for 2027/28 and beyond.”

Councillor Darren Grimes, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, said: “As a council, our top priority is to deliver high-quality services for County Durham communities, while ensuring the best possible value for money for council taxpayers.”

Not quite sure how he’s doing that with an £80 million deficit.

Looks like Durham council will be left with no choice but to hike council taxes to plug the gap, but we ought to remember Reform promised no council tax hikes.