Rivals hit out at Reform's pledge to axe solar plan

OPPOSITION councillors are urging Reform UK leaders to reconsider their decision to abandon plans for solar panels on council buildings.

- By BILL EDGAR Local democracy reporter

Durham County Council had previously pledged to install the devices, but this commitment is expected to be abandoned by cabinet members.

Liberal Democrat opposition councillors argue that the decarbonisation scheme, initially proposed for eight buildings, could have saved £77,000 annually.

However, Reform UK says the local authority is overspending on net zero projects. Senior councillors have also committed to halting the purchase of electric vehicles for council staff.

This follows the new administration's decision to abandon the council's climate emergency pledge, which aimed to achieve net zero emissions by 2045.