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Due to essential maintenance, the following systems will be unavailable from 6.00pm on Monday 2 October until 8.00am on Tuesday 3 October: our online council tax, business rates and housing benefit services, and our welfare assistance form. You will also not be able to register to pay council tax online, make a change of address for council tax or cancel single person discount. You are still able to make a payment during this time. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Emergency contacts


Get help in an emergency or advice about your home, health and personal safety.

Police, fire or ambulance

Dial 999 if it's an emergency.

Council services

During normal office hours, contact us on 03000 260 000.

The following services provide out of hours support:

  • Call 03000 267 979 for emergency social care and child welfare concerns, including foster carer support.
  • Call 08081 968 406 if you are homeless, or facing homelessness.
  • Call 03000 262 195 for Care Connect (community alarm service).
  • Call 03000 266 000 for our births, deaths and marriages service.
  • Building control service (to report a dangerous structure). 
  • Report emergency council housing repairs to Durham City Homes or your housing provider.

Local police 101

Durham Constabulary - report anti-social behaviour, or other incidents not classed as an emergency, and get advice about crime prevention and household security by calling 101.

Fire and Rescue

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service - get advice about household fire safety, including the installation of smoke alarms, by calling 0845 305 8383.

NHS 111

If you are feeling unwell but it is not a life-threatening emergency, visit NHS 111 or contact your GP, pharmacy or urgent care centre.

Household emergencies

  • Electricity  - If your power supply is interrupted call 0800 668 877. 
  • Gas - if you smell gas contact the National Grid on 0800 111 999.
  • Water - call 0800 393 084 for burst water mains or 0800 328 7648 for sewer issues.