10 November 2023

I started this week with a catch-up with the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Lisa Evans, and the Chief Executive, Mike Greene. I then attended a briefing with the Head of Democratic Services, Jonathan Nertney. In the afternoon, I attended a Cabinet pre-agenda meeting ahead of the full Cabinet meeting on 16 November.

On Tuesday morning, I was interviewed by TFM about the services being held across Stockton-on-Tees for Remembrance Day this Sunday 12 November. Services and parades are being held in each of our Six Towns, as well as other areas of the Borough. You can find your nearest service here.

I then attended a briefing for Cabinet in the afternoon.

On Wednesday, I completed an LGA stakeholders survey before joining a briefing about the Finance, Transformation and Performance Portfolio. This included an update about the extension of the Household Support Fund, a grant from the Government which provides support to low-income households during the rising cost of living. You can read more about the fund and eligibility here.

Yesterday morning I met with the Managing Director of Banks Property, Russ Hall, and their Community Relations Manager, Kate Culverhouse, to discuss plans for the Bowesfield site.

I also attended the advisory group for the Tees Valley Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), a project that works with employers across the area to take the region's economy forward and boost opportunities for future generations.

I then had my quarterly catch-up with the LGA President, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE, alongside Mike Greene and other senior colleagues.

Today I am travelling to Sunderland to attend the North of England Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) Autumn Meeting.

This weekend, I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with my family and paying my respects for Remembrance Sunday at Stockton Parish Church. Middlesbrough played an exciting 3-3 draw last Saturday down on the South Coast against Plymouth. It was the second time in a week that they had played in the South West and full credit to all the fans who made that long journey. Next up at the Riverside this weekend is high-flying Leicester City who sit at the top of the league. It'll be a tough ask but here's hoping Boro can get back to winning ways.