Issue - meetings

The Mayor and Chief Executive submitted a report for Executive’s consideration.

High streets and town centres had long been subject to a range of issues, such as the 2008 economic downturn, changes in consumer behaviour, and, more recently, the Covid-19 pandemic.  Across the country rises in anti-social behaviour, begging, street crime and other nuisance were evident and as the most significant town centre in the Tees Valley, Middlesbrough was not immune to those issues.

The Council had ambition to create a bright future for the town centre, transforming it by providing more reasons for people to use the town centre to live, work, learn and enjoy leisure.  Alongside the many exciting developments that were underway to achieve this it was vital that the town centre provided a clean and safe environment that encouraged people to return.

Perceptions of safety and crime rates significantly influenced the vitality and viability of a centre.  Stable major brands and independent businesses were affected by these and if left unattended there was a risk that this would damage the Council’s progress in transforming, adapting and recovering the high street economy.

It was therefore critical that those issues were addressed by introducing additional, co-ordinated and dedicated resources under a single point of authority and responsibility.  Working with partners and utilising available Tees Valley resource, it was proposed that a pilot programme be delivered at a cost of £1,120,000 over 2 years.  Funding would be derived through a combination of Shared Prosperity (£520,000) and Indigenous Growth Funds (£600,000), with no call on core Council funds.

OPTIONS

No other options were considered as part of the report.

ORDERED

That the Executive:

1.    Endorse the approach of the pilot scheme over 2 years; and

2.    Approve Middlesbrough Council being the accountable body for Tees Valley external funding.

REASON

Detailed engagement and consultation with town centre businesses, residents and stakeholders had made it clear that perceptions of ASB and crime were considered a significant barrier to existing businesses and inward investment.

Left unaddressed would mean no hope to transform, adapt and recover Middlesbrough’s Town Centre economy.