Friday 25 September

Throughout the week I have held a series of virtual catch up meetings with Cabinet members to make sure I am up to date with any developments in their portfolios. 

On Tuesday morning I held my regular meeting with Cllr Jim Beall, Deputy Leader and Julie Danks, the Council's Managing Director. As neighbouring Boroughs across the North East are now following local restrictions, Covid-19 was high on the agenda and we spent time discussing the Council's response to the pandemic and a range of other topics.

I also joined the Director of Finance and Business Service, Gary Cummings in a meeting via Microsoft Teams. We looked at the Council's ongoing recovery as well as the financial implications of Covid-19. 

Members came together for the latest Member's briefing session organised by Democratic Services on Tuesday afternoon. We heard from colleagues at Cleveland Fire Brigade and got an update on plans to mark the Bi Centenary of the birth of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 2025.

Wednesday saw me continue to meet with Cabinet colleagues before I joined Councillor Beall, Julie Danks and Richard McGuckin, the Council's Director of Town Centres Investment, for an update on the important work we are doing across the Borough's towns.

Full Council took place on Wednesday evening with a busy agenda including question times for both members and the public. Cllr Beall also brought forward a motion on behalf of the authority to give thanks to all local frontline workers for their hard work and bravery throughout the continuing Covid crisis.

Today I took part in a stakeholders' event held by Richard Lewis, Cleveland Police's Chief Constable. The event was an opportunity for the force to set out what improvements they have made since their last inspection and gave those attending an opportunity to comment on their future plans.

My working week finished with a Local Outbreak Engagement Group meeting to discuss the latest numbers of coronavirus cases in Stockton-on-Tees. 

I'd like to take this opportunity to once again reiterate to the Borough's residents that we must continue to follow the rules and as we find ourselves facing increased numbers of cases across the Borough we are certainly reminded of the need to protect our loved ones and those most vulnerable.