23 June 2023

A busy week began with the ceremonial flag raising for Armed Forces Day, led by the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees Councillor Jim Beall. I then had my regular catch up with Councillor Lisa Evans, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People. Later in the afternoon I attended a meeting with Mike Greene, the Council's Chief Executive, and Cabinet Members to discuss plans for the coming months.

On Tuesday, I met with Nicola Shelley, Managing Director of the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) and Chair of the Collaborative Procurement Sub-committee (CPSC). NEPO works in partnership with the twelve North East Local Authorities to secure quality services and goods which are good value for money.

On Wednesday, I attended the North East and North Cumbria Strategic Integrated Care Partnership meeting. ICPs bring together a broad alliance of partners concerned with improving the care, health and wellbeing of the local population. At the meeting we discussed a range of topics including the Recovering Access to Primary Care Plan.

There was a full Council meeting in the evening. Council brings members together to discuss important matters, and the meeting included public question time, a presentation on the Warm Homes Healthy People scheme and the appointment of the Deputy Mayor of the Borough for 2023 to 2024.

Yesterday, I showed my support for Armed Forces Day by joining the events held on Stockton High Street. Armed Forces Day recognises the work that members of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, as well as veterans, cadets and armed forces families all play in keeping the UK safe, at home and abroad. It is important we never forget the selfless commitment, endeavour and sacrifice of our Armed Forces, and I enjoyed many of the day's activities. In the afternoon I met with other Council Leaders and the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) to discuss the services of Arriva in our areas.

Today, I am attending a Leaders Briefing Session held by the TVCA to discuss future plans for Tees Valley including Teesside International Airport.

This weekend I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with my family.