Advice and Benefits
Benefits
See how to deal with benefits appeals, what Council Tax reductions are available, how to qualify for educational awards and free school meals, or find out how social care undertake financial assessments to help you pay for services, and what housing benefits are available.
Births
Details on registering a birth, including locations and contact details of local offices. Plus, information on naming ceremonies and benefits available for children.
Community Advice
A variety of information and advice about community issues including details of school childcare and childminding, alcohol, drugs and Substance abuse, community safety, legal services, grants, museums and galleries.
Council Tax
Council Tax is set by local councils to help pay for services as refuse collection, education and social services. Each house, bungalow, flat, maisonette, mobile home or houseboat pays the tax, and whether it is owned or rented. In County Durham your local district council is responsible for collecting payments.
Data Protection and Freedom of Information
The Data Protection Act 1998 sets out rules for processing personal information and applies to paper and digital records, covering collection, storage, processing and distribution of personal data, and giving certain rights to individuals. Find out more about the Data Protection Act, why Durham County Council needs to process your personal data, and how you can get access to it in relation to 'Freedom of Information'.
Deaths, Funerals and Cremations
Get information on registering a death, funerals arrangements and the type of benefits that may be available to family members after a bereavement.
Domestic Violence
Find out facts and figures relating to domestic violence and how the Government has developed a plan to tackle the issue, which continues to occur across society, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, wealth and geography.
Emergencies
Details of what to do in an emergency and how the Civil Contingencies Unit (CCU) provides a coordinated link between local authority resources and emergency services, utilities, voluntary agencies and other organisations.
Grants
Information on a wide variety of funding opportunities relevant to people involved in community, educational, business, cultural and environmental projects, helping them to obtain advice, support and funding to ensure projects are successful.
Health and Medical Advice
Information on a number of health and medical care topics such as alcohol, drugs and substance use. Plus advice on healthy living, illnesses and available support.
Housing Advice
Get advice on rent, appeals and benefits related to council housing and see information on residential care, nursing homes, sheltered and supported Housing throughout Durham County.
Housing Finance
Find out about rent, appeals and benefits related to council housing and how district councils can help you; we've provided links to the seven authorities which can assist you, depending on where you live.
Legal Advice
Get information on the types of legal advice available to you.
Licences and Street Trading
Many activities require licences, some of which are issued by the County Council. Trading Standards can provide advice to help you comply with the relevant legislation.
Marriages
Information on getting married including; premises where marriages can take place in County Durham; how to give notice of marriage, and what the law says about civil partnerships. Details are also available on renewal of marriage vows for couples who wish to celebrate in a unique and personal ceremony.
Parental Support
A variety of information on what support is available to parents. Plus, details of education awards and benefits, school admissions and students' learning opportunities.
Support Groups
Find out what support groups are available to you and your family, whatever issues you might need assistance with.
Tourism and Travel
Travel and tourism information relating to the County Durham area, including details of holidays and breaks for disabled people and educational visits. Our 'County Durham ePostcards' let you see various scenes from around the area and send local images to your friends and family.
Trade Unions
Details of local trade unions, including information on the services they can provide and what support and advise is available to employees, relating to problems at work.
Trading Standards
Durham County Council Trading Standards continually audit and review their performance; see details of the surveys and consultations used in this process.
Voluntary Organisations
Information for local organisations, community groups, volunteers and clubs. Details of support including useful contact information to help you to get in touch with a variety of local, regional and national organisations.
Youth Support
A variety of information on what support is available to children and young people. Plus, details of organisations and partnerships that are working towards the provision of better services for children, young people and their families across County Durham.
