Find out about changes to our services and Christmas opening times on our Festive information page. To find out when your bin will be collected over the festive period, visit Changes to County Durham bin collections at Christmas.

Due to maintenance, the following systems will be unavailable from 11.45am on Tuesday 24 December until 8.00am on Thursday 2 January: our online Council Tax, business rates and housing benefit services, and our welfare assistance form. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

UK Youth Parliament

The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) is a youth organisation in the UK that gives young people aged between 11 and 18 years old the chance to use their energy and passion to change the world for the better.

Every two years, members are elected to the UK Youth Parliament to represent councils across the UK.

Being a Member of Youth Parliament

Being a Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) is a very exciting opportunity. You will get the chance to get involved in a range of activities. Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) meet with MPs and local councillors, organise events, run campaigns (such as campaigns to improve recreation, leisure and transport facilities in your area), make speeches, hold debates and make sure the views of young people are listened to by decision makers. The most important job though will be to make sure you represent the views of young people in County Durham.

Every two years, three representatives from our Youth Council are elected to represent County Durham in the UK Parliament. The three successful candidates will share the voices of young people from across our county at regional and national meetings and get the chance to visit the House of Commons in November.

The next elections will be in February 2026.