Opposition councillors have criticised the “bonkers” decision made at September’s cabinet meeting and called on Durham County Council leaders to reinstate the net zero scheme. The recent decision comes after Reform UK voted to scrap the council’s climate emergency pledge in July, which aimed to achieve net zero emissions by 2045. But Reform leaders reiterated the party’s pledge to prioritise care services over net zero projects. Darren Grimes, deputy leader of Durham County Council, said: “This is classic Lib Dem politics: play dirty, peddle fantasy maths, and shout ‘bonkers’ when anyone dares to point it out. Their solar scheme would have loaded risk onto residents for decades, for savings that disappear the moment you factor in debt repayments.