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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.

Concerned about someone - report neglect or abuse


There are many situations where adults with needs for care and support could be subject to neglect or abuse. If you're worried about someone - report it!

Durham Safeguarding Adults Partnership's website has information and videos that can help you spot abuse neglect, or self-neglect - What is abuse?

Report abuse

To report abuse you can do any of the following:

  • If the person is in immediate danger, call 999. Remember to say an 'adult with needs for care and support' or a 'vulnerable adult' is involved.
  • Call Social Care Direct on 03000 26 79 79. An officer will listen carefully to what you say, give advice and make a safeguarding referral if necessary, even if you wish to remain anonymous. The officer will take prompt action if the adult is in immediate danger
  • If you are a patient or visitor to a hospital or other health or social care setting, you should immediately report your concerns to a member of staff.

The Durham Safeguarding Adults Partnership is a range of public authorities, including the council, the police and health services, who share a duty to keep adults in County Durham safe from abuse, harm and neglect. See their  Icon for pdf Protecting vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect (PDF, 1.0mb)  leaflet for useful information, services and contacts. You can find out more about their work by visiting the Durham Safeguarding Adults Partnership website.

Domestic abuse

If you're concerned about domestic abuse, find out more on our Domestic abuse pages.

Concerned about a child or young person under the age of 18

If you are concerned about a child or young person please visit Report a concern about a child.

If you are a professional wanting to make a referral for a child please visit  DSCP: Concerned about a child?.

Contact us
Social Care Direct
03000 267 979
0191 383 5752
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