Decision details

ORDERED that Executive:

1.     Approved the adoption of Accountable Body Status for the £20m Pride in Place Programme at Thorntree;

2.     Approved the adoption of Accountable Body Status for the £20m Pride in Place Programme at Park End;

3.     Approved the acceptance and allocation of the £1.5m Pride in Place – Impact Fund allocation for central Middlesbrough, subject to consent from Andy McDonald MP; and

4.     Noted that the Council’s role was limited to that of Accountable Body and secretariat support.

AGREED that Executive:

1.     Noted that all engagement activity, priority setting and development of the Neighbourhood Investment Plans would be solely determined by the Neighbourhood Boards for Thorntree and Park End;

2.     Noted that officer resource requirements for administration and secretariat support would involve multiple Council services, including Growth & Assets, Neighbourhoods, Finance and Legal Services; and

3.     Noted that any Neighbourhood Board decisions affecting Council land, assets, services or finances would be returned to Executive for consideration, with phased delivery used to maintain continuity of community services.

REASONS

The decisions enabled Middlesbrough Council to unlock significant long‑term investment for some of the town’s most disadvantaged communities, ensure robust governance and accountability in line with its duties as Accountable Body, and support the delivery of strong, resident‑led neighbourhood plans focused on improving local pride, safety, wellbeing and community resilience. 

OPTIONS

The alternative option would have been to decline Accountable Body status. Members noted that this would have jeopardised the £40m Pride in Place allocations for Thorntree and Park End, representing a substantial lost opportunity for these communities. This option was therefore not recommended.