14 March 2025

This week started with a quarterly catch up meeting between myself, Lisa Evans, Deputy Leader of the Council, and Mike Greene, Chief Executive, and Tracey Carter, Director of Regeneration and Inclusive Growth. Having a regular catch up with each of the Directors at the Council individually ensures that we can talk about specific topics within their services, and that myself and Lisa are aware of any matters arising.

Immediately after, Mike Green and I met with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Matt Storey; Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer for the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Oldroyd; and Chief Finance Officer, Michael Porter. We talked about our regeneration plans for the Central Stockton and North Thornaby area and where we can work together to achieve the best outcomes for our communities.

On Tuesday morning I met with representatives from our Unions. It's important that we keep an open and ongoing dialogue with our Unions so that we can help each other, working together.

In the afternoon I had a one-on-one meeting with Steve BEdser, a Peer at the Local Government Association, as part of some development work we're doing around our Health and Wellbeing Board. The board ensures healthy relationships and partnership work with our health providers delivering in the Borough.

Mid-week I had a pre-agenda meeting for the Health and Wellbeing Board happening later this month, for which I am Chair.

Yesterday I sat on the judging panel for the Mayor's Civic Awards. These Civic awards give thanks and recognition to some of the selfless and incredible voluntary and community work happening in Stockton-on-Tees. It's humbling seeing some of the work that happens here, and picking a winner for the countless entries is always an incredibly difficult task.

Later in the afternoon it was Cabinet. The agenda included a report following a scrutiny review of Disabled Facilities Grants, our Environmental Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Strategy, and an update on our sexual health services.

Today I am attending a celebration event for businesses in Stockton-on-Tees that are engaging in the Better Health at Work Award (BHAWA). The scheme recognises organisations that prioritize employee wellbeing, ultimately promoting healthier, happier, and more productive workplaces. There's a total of more than 13,000 people working for organisations engaging with BHAWA in the Borough.

This weekend I look forward to relaxing and spending some time with my family. Middlesbrough play Luton Town awat from home this weekend. The play off spots are still in sight, but we are starting to rely on other results landing favourably for us to progress up the table. With only nine matches left, every point counts as we count down to the end of the season.