The Council of Middlesbrough will convene on Wednesday 4 November 2026 to discuss a range of important matters, including the Mayor's report, updates from Executive Members, and a quarterly financial report. The meeting's agenda also includes discussions on the Tees Valley Joint Minerals and Waste Local Plan, constitution updates, and vacancies on committees and outside bodies.

Mayor's Report

The Mayor, Chris Cooke, will present a written update on his portfolio, which will be followed by a question and answer session. The report highlights the publication of a new investment prospectus outlining a vision for Middlesbrough's future, ongoing projects to improve outcomes for children, and the opening of the Turner Prize exhibition. The Mayor's report also details efforts to support young people through initiatives like the Childhood Guarantee, investment in play facilities, and targeted support programmes for families. He has also written to the Prime Minister to advocate for additional support for Middlesbrough and similar communities. The report also touches upon Middlesbrough hosting the Game Republic New Horizons Conference and the expansion of the Bring it on Boro programme to support more families during school holidays. Progress on the Outwood Riverside School development is also noted.

Executive Member Updates

Several Executive Members will provide updates on their respective portfolios.

Councillor Philippa Storey, Deputy Mayor and Executive Member for Education and Culture, will report on activities within her remit, including events, museums, archives, and the Town Hall. Highlights include the success of the Orange Pip Market, the launch of the Little Boro installation, and the ongoing engagement with the Turner on Tees exhibition at MIMA. The report also details partnerships with Cambridge University and the British Museum, as well as the continued success of the Musinc programme and a busy autumn season at the Town Hall. The theatre's autumn season is also highlighted, featuring various performances and the upcoming pantomime. Updates on NEET figures, school attendance, elective home education, and the Riverside School development are also included.

Councillor Julia Rostron, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, will provide an update on her portfolio, focusing on a healthy place and safe and resilient communities. Key highlights include the Gold Accreditation received by Middlesbrough's IRIS Programme for its work on domestic abuse, the relocation of the Housing Solutions service to a new hub, and the celebration of 10 years of Dementia Friendly Middlesbrough. Looking ahead, the report details the upcoming CQC Assurance Inspection of Adult Social Care, National Safeguarding Adults Week, and the Annual Rough Sleeping Count. The White Ribbon campaign to eliminate violence against women and girls is also featured.

Councillor Luke Henman, Executive Member for Children's Services, will present an update on his portfolio, aligning with the Council Plan priority to show Middlesbrough's children that they matter. The report includes statistics on children accessing early help, the number of foster carers and children in care, and those subject to child protection or child in need plans. Highlights include the provisional Good Ofsted judgement for The Hub children's home, progress on unregulated homes, and the launch of a new High Cost Placement Panel. Developments within the Children's Social Work Academy and the Recruitment & Retention Group are also detailed, alongside improvements made by the Review & Development Team. The report also addresses the progress of the national Children's Social Care Reform Programme, with a focus on family and community networks, and outlines improvements to the Quality Assurance Framework. New appointments to leadership roles within Children's Services are also announced.

Councillor Theo Furness, Executive Member for Development, will provide an update on his portfolio, focusing on Place and People. Key points include the ongoing Independent Examination of the New Local Plan, the commencement of preparation for the Tees Valley Joint Minerals and Waste Local Plan, and updates on housing initiatives, including the development of a Supported Housing Strategy and engagement with housing providers. Community learning achievements, including an education award, are also highlighted. The report also covers public protection, with the approval of Middlesbrough's Annual Status Report for air quality by DEFRA. Growth and assets are also discussed, including procurement for business support functions, the opening of Middlesbrough's new Skills and Employment Hub, and the hosting of the Games Republic New Horizons Event. The redevelopment of the Auxiliary creative space and the Union Village development winning national awards are also noted.

Councillor Peter Gavigan, Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability, will present an update on his portfolio, focusing on a healthy place, protecting and improving the environment, and improved transport and digital connectivity. The report details ongoing work on policy proposals and community engagement to protect green spaces and ensure well-designed, clean, and safe roads and open spaces. Highways and infrastructure updates include potential traffic signal upgrades, verge replacement, and footway improvement programmes. Progress on repairs and strengthening works for the Transporter Bridge is noted, alongside plans for the Newport Approach Road Bridge and structures, and the Longlands Road overbridge. The A66 Structures repair programme and works on the A174 Marton Interchange Overbridge are also covered. Updates on carriageway resurfacing schemes, flood management, public rights of way, highway licences, and street lighting are provided. Transport planning and road safety initiatives, including liaison with various partnerships and school travel plans, are also detailed. Progress on capital programmes for 2025/26 and 2026/27 is outlined, along with updates on members' small schemes. Linthorpe Road Cycleway removal and sustainable transport corridors are also discussed. Environmental enforcement, pest control, and waste services are covered, with a significant increase in service requests noted. The report also details community engagement and service improvement efforts in waste management, alongside operational updates on the food waste collection fleet and area care services.

Councillor Nicky Walker, Executive Member for Finance, will provide an update on delivering best value. The report includes an update on the 2027/28 Budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2027/28 to 2030/31, highlighting a projected budget gap and the strategies to address it, aiming to avoid cuts to front-line services. The Financial Wellbeing and Resilience Strategy 2026-2030 is also presented, which replaces the previous Welfare Strategy and promotes financial independence and early intervention. The report details the Crisis and Resilience Fund, including specific support for pensioners and veterans, and outlines proposals for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme consultation, including adjustments for households with three or more children and the introduction of an additional award band.

Councillor Ian Blades, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, will present an update on his portfolio, focusing on neighbourhoods, neighbourhood safety, and community cohesion. The report highlights the national launch of Common Ground by the Belong Network. Updates on activities and events across libraries and community hubs are provided, including welfare support, community learning, wellbeing initiatives, and children's activities. Specific events at Hemlington Hub, Thorntree Hub, and Central Library are mentioned, along with the launch of BFI Replay and Green Libraries Week. The report details crime and antisocial behaviour initiatives in North, East, South, and West Middlesbrough, including house closures, civil injunctions, and community protection notices. Engagement with residents on street and alley cleaning, town centre surveys, and park ward weeks of action are also covered.

Councillor Jan Ryles, Executive Member for Public Health, will provide an update on her portfolio, focusing on improving life chances, promoting inclusivity, and reducing poverty. Highlights include a continued fall in smoking prevalence in Middlesbrough, successful Stoptober and Smoke-Free Generation campaign activity, and the expansion of community capacity to deliver smoking cessation support. Updates on cancer prevention and screening, including an award for outstanding contribution to cancer prevention, are also provided. The Tees Valley Anchor Network's work on inclusive growth and addressing health determinants is detailed, alongside updates on CVD prevention and NHS Health Checks. Health protection initiatives, including flu vaccination clinics and the promotion of COVID-19 vaccinations, are covered. Sexual health services are also discussed, with the launch of young people's clinics and strengthening of the HIV prevention and support service. Updates on gambling harm prevention, healthy environments, and emotional health and wellbeing campaigns are also included.

Quarterly Financial Report

An update on progress against recurring savings, movements in General Fund reserves, changes in the Dedicated Schools Grant deficit position, and borrowing levels and headroom under the Prudential Code will be provided. The report indicates a projected budget gap for 2027/28 and highlights the Council's strategy to rebuild its unrestricted usable revenue reserves to strengthen financial resilience. The Dedicated Schools Grant deficit position is also detailed, showing an anticipated in-year overspend.

Constitution Updates

A report on constitution updates will be presented, detailing suggested minor amendments actioned under delegated authority and a schedule of amendments agreed by the Constitution and Member Development Committee. Significant changes required due to the introduction of a national scheme of delegation for planning functions will also be discussed, aiming to ensure compliance with new legislation and reduce the risk of legal challenge.

Revised Political Balance Allocation of Committee Places

The Council will consider a revised allocation of seats on committees subject to political balance rules, reflecting changes in group membership. The proposed allocation aims to ensure representation in accordance with the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990.

Vacancies on Committees and Outside Bodies

Members will consider nominations to fill vacant positions on Committees, Scrutiny Panels, and Working Groups, as well as on Outside Bodies. This is to ensure that meetings remain quorate and that the decision-making process is not delayed.

Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Board

An update on the current activities and progress of the Overview and Scrutiny Board will be provided. This includes reviews into how the Council communicates its successes, community cohesion strategies, and engagement with faith and belief groups. Updates from the Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Panel, Children's Scrutiny Panel, and Place Scrutiny Panel will also be presented, covering topics such as immunisation uptake, barriers to immunisation, support for unpaid carers, child poverty, SEND reforms, and the review of Middlesbrough's Bicentenary. The Tees Valley Joint Health Scrutiny Committee will also report on health and care matters affecting residents across the Tees Valley.

Questions from Members of the Public

Two questions have been submitted by members of the public for the Mayor. Barrie Cooper will ask about provisions for teenagers, pensioners, and young families in Trimdon Ward following the removal of the Trimdon Ward Community Centre. David Lister will inquire about arrangements for engagement and liaison between Middlesbrough Council and parish councils, including Stainton and Thornton Parish Council, and whether a joint liaison group will be established.

Urgent Decisions

A report on any urgent decisions taken since the last Council meeting will be presented.

Members' Questions on Notice

Any Members' Questions on Notice will be received.

Motions on Notice

Any Motions on Notice will be considered.

Urgent Motions on Notice

Any Urgent Motions on Notice will be considered.