31 January 2025

This week started with a meeting of Tees Valley Leaders virtually on Teams. Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside International Airport, gave an update on his business plan for the airport.

Later, myself and Lisa Evans, Deputy Leader of the Council, met with Mike Greene, Chief Executive, for our regular catch up. One of the things we discussed was the Stockton and Darlington Railway bicentinary celebrations, and the events we're hosting this year.

On Tuesday afternoon there was a briefing session for all members where we received updates from the Council, Cleveland Police and the Cleveland Fire Authority.

Mid-week it was Health and Wellbeing Board, for which I am Chair. At the meeting we reviewed some of the Borough health-focussed strategies including the the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment for Stockton-on-Tees and the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which outlines how we will work with partners to improve the health of our residents.

Yesterday I spoke at our Corporate Induction, where Mike Greene and I welcome the Council's new starters. It's always a great experience speaking to everyone making the first step in their new careers with us.

In the afternoon I had a pre-agenda meeting for the Council's Cabinet meeting next week, where we will look to approve our Medium-Term Financial Plan.

This morning it is the Tees Valley Combined Authority Cabinet meeting. A busy agenda included their own Medium-Term Financial Plan and Investment Plan.

I'm looking forward to relaxing with my family this weekend. Middlesbrough are not in action until Monday, when we take on local rivals Sunderland at the Riverside. It's always a heated and spirited match against the Mackems, and although there's only two league positions between us, Sunderland have us beaten by 11 points. It's an important match for us to win as three points would strengthen our claim to the playoff spots.