The Place Scrutiny Panel met on Monday 14 September 2026 to discuss preparations for Middlesbrough's Bicentenary in 2030 and to introduce a new scrutiny topic on the Selective Landlord Licensing Scheme. The Panel considered the Terms of Reference for the Bicentenary review and received presentations on the Council's marketing and communications strategy, as well as an update on Middlesbrough's bid for UK City of Culture 2029. They also began an investigation into the Selective Landlord Licensing Scheme and its implications for the private rented sector in Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough's Bicentenary 2030

The Panel considered the proposed Terms of Reference for their scrutiny review of Middlesbrough's Bicentenary in 2030. The review will focus on establishing current plans for the celebration, identifying best practices from other local authorities, exploring how residents can be involved, and examining how the celebrations can boost regeneration and highlight local heritage.

Councillor David Branson, Chair of the Place Scrutiny Panel, provided a verbal update on his visit to Barnsley and discussions with Barnsley Civic. He highlighted Barnsley Civic's operational model as an independent cultural organisation and the creative use of its facilities and public spaces. The Panel considered how Middlesbrough's existing assets could be used creatively for the Bicentenary and discussed the importance of a sustained, year-round programme of events and activities, drawing lessons from Barnsley's approach.

The Head of Marketing and Communications presented an overview of the Council's marketing and communications strategy, detailing how it supports activity leading up to the Bicentenary. The strategy aims to engage various audiences, including residents, businesses, and visitors, through diverse channels such as social media, e-newsletters, and traditional media. A key challenge identified was addressing negative perceptions of Middlesbrough, with efforts focused on promoting positive stories and developments. The presentation also touched upon the Council's use of platforms like TikTok to reach younger demographics and its role in supporting Middlesbrough's bid for UK City of Culture 2029.

Following this, the Head of Culture presented on Middlesbrough's bid for UK City of Culture 2029. The initiative aims to drive culture-led transformation, with potential benefits including increased audiences, support for local businesses, and strengthened civic pride. The bid's narrative draws on the town's industrial heritage and future growth in creative industries. The Panel discussed the importance of broad ownership and participation from communities and businesses, as well as the proposed governance structure involving Middlesbrough Council and a new independent Middlesbrough Culture Company. The potential budget for the bid is estimated at £45.7 million, with funding sought from various sources. The Panel noted the opportunity for the City of Culture activities to serve as a springboard for the Bicentenary celebrations in 2030.

The Selective Landlord Licensing Scheme / Licensing of Private Rented Properties

The Panel was introduced to the Selective Landlord Licensing (SLL) scheme and the regulation of the private rented sector in Middlesbrough. The Head of Public Protection, Principal Public Protection Officer, and Public Protection Manager explained that SLL aims to improve housing conditions, address anti-social behaviour (ASB), and enhance designated areas. The scheme allows the Council to identify landlords, ensure they are fit and proper persons, and attach conditions to licences, enabling a proactive approach to housing standards.

Officers detailed the challenges in delivering licensing schemes, including resource requirements and difficulties in property access and landlord engagement. They outlined the Council's enforcement approach, which is progressive, proportionate, and targeted, with examples of prosecutions, civil penalties, and potential Banning Orders against non-compliant landlords. The impact of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 was also discussed, including its strengthening of tenant protections and the introduction of a national rented-property register.

The Panel explored different licensing models, including mandatory HMO licensing, SLL, and additional licensing for smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The potential benefits of combining these approaches were discussed, particularly for addressing issues in smaller HMOs. The presentation also considered future options for SLL, including potential new designations in North Ormesby, Park, and Central wards, and proposed changes to licence conditions, such as a partial refund for responsible landlords.

Concerns were raised about landlords moving to un-licensed areas and the limitations of geographically targeted interventions. The financial implications of licensing were also considered, with licence fees funding the necessary staffing to operate the schemes. The Panel reviewed licensing arrangements in other local authorities, noting the larger scale and longer duration of some schemes, and discussed the potential social impacts, including improved housing conditions and community stability. The importance of accurate data on the private rented sector was highlighted for determining areas requiring intervention. The potential consequences of not operating SLL or additional licensing were also outlined, including a reduction in the Council's ability to proactively regulate the sector.

Chair's OSB Update

Councillor David Branson, Chair of the Place Scrutiny Panel, provided an update on matters considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Board on 29 July 2026. These included the Executive Forward Work Programme, the Forward Plan Actions Update, the Scrutiny Chairs Update, Service Area Overviews, and the setting of the Overview and Scrutiny Board Work Programme. The Board also considered the final report of the Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Panel on Violence Against Women and Girls, along with the Prudential Indicators and Treasury Management Outturn for 2025/2026.