Benefit and welfare news

A council team has won a national award for its work to help residents save money on their heating and energy bills.

Vulnerable households across County Durham can access additional support to help them cope with the rising cost of living this winter.

The region's only scheme to provide a 100 per cent discount on council tax payments to all financially vulnerable households will be extended for another year.

Durham County Council Elected members and staff has watched the events unfolding in Afghanistan in recent weeks with sadness.