Durham County Council has changed the Council Tax Reduction Scheme. From 1 April 2026, all working‑age residents will need to contribute towards their Council Tax.
We want to make sure you have the right advice and support. If you’re unsure how these changes might affect you, or what to do next, please contact Durham County Council on 03000 262 0000.
New long-term partnership to deliver modern, customer-focused repairs and home improvement services
We have awarded a long-term transformational property-related services contract to Mears Group to deliver a high-quality, future-focused, and technology-enabled repairs and maintenance service across our 9,000 homes.
The new contract starts on 1 April 2026 and marks the beginning of a refreshed specification designed to improve customer experience and future-proof delivery.
Building on our integrated Livin Works delivery approach, together with Mears, we will operate as one team to deliver safe, well-maintained and energy-efficient homes, with a strong emphasis on listening to customers, getting repairs right first time, and offering convenient digital services.
Transformational improvements are paramount to the new contract, and the partnership has developed a pipeline of innovation projects. The long-term nature of the contract creates the conditions for sustained continuous improvement, supporting investment in systems, data and service redesign during mobilisation so that improvements are embedded from day one and continue to evolve over the life of the partnership.
Alan Boddy, Chief Executive, Livin, said: “This new long-term contract is a major opportunity to build on our digital and data infrastructure and implement transformational improvements, delivering cost-effective, customer-focused repairs, maintenance and home improvement services for our tenants. By operating as one integrated Livin Works team, we can better provide safe, energy-efficient, quality homes and a service our customers can be proud of now and into the future. As part of the agreement, we will also invest in social value across our communities, including creating job opportunities and supporting local community groups.”
Chris Nixon, Operations Director, Mears Group, said: “This long-term partnership creates the platform to modernise repairs and maintenance and home improvement services, bringing together Livin’s ambition for a data-led, customer-focused service with our operational expertise. Together we will focus on delivering an innovative transformational plan, redesigning processes and using technology to make it easier for customers to access services, improve right-first-time performance and strengthen long-term outcomes that improve the quality of homes and communities.”
Pictured: Rob McDonald (Commercial and Compliance Director), Chris Nixon (Operations Director IPM North), Sean Brodie (Executive Director of Finance and Investment) and Alan Boddy (Chief Executive).