Minutes:
The Mayor advised that Agenda Items 7 (‘Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) - Update’) and 8 (Mayor’s Statement and Report) would be considered concurrently; the following updates were provided:
· The Mayor had recently acquired the Finance portfolio and would ensure that all monies available to the town were secured to enable it to thrive.
· Work on the improvement plan continued, the outcome of which would be published in due course.
· Talks were continuing with the TVCA in respect of the Transporter Bridge, its infrastructure and heritage.
· In relation to environmental standards, it was hoped that additional Neighbourhood Caretakers would be employed soon.
· Regarding the Local Government Finance Settlement, a significant amount of lobbying had taken place to achieve the best possible result. The initial forecast was not being taken as certain; the final allocation was awaited.
· IRIS, a specialist domestic violence and abuse programme, would be funded through the Middlesbrough Initiatives Fund. As part of the programme, a Domestic Abuse Coordinator would be appointed; enhanced grants would be available to schools on an application basis; a needs programme would be established; and a financial programme created.
A Member congratulated the Community Caretakers team in South Middlesbrough, as well as the wider Area Care teams, for the excellent work undertaken and positive feedback received from residents. A further Member supported this, whilst also expressing thanks to the Mayor for undertaking a ward walkabout. The matter of co-ordinating caretaking activities with other volunteer group activities was also raised. In responding to these comments, the Mayor highlighted the importance of environmental standards to all residents across Middlesbrough. It was noted that the Community Caretakers were a resource for the whole town, and investment in environment services was crucial to everyone.
A Member referred to individuals litter picking in their own time and queried whether litter picking equipment could be provided upon request. In response, the Mayor indicated that equipment would be made available; Newport Hub currently had some in stock. An upcoming report would include further information regarding a Neighbourhood Model and the utilisation of Community Hubs.
Members raised several queries, as follows:
· Reference was made to the national interest in immigration matters and a query raised around the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers. In response, the Mayor indicated that no hotels in Middlesbrough would be used for this purpose; an agreement had been made with government for a pause in the number of asylum seekers for this region. The Mayor referred to untrue rumours currently being circulated, and the need to be mindful of misinformation.
· Reference was made to Linthorpe Road cycle lane and a query raised regarding the timescale for removal. In response, the Mayor explained that the timescale was contractor based; Linthorpe Road would not need to be closed during the works, which was positive. Following a subsequent enquiry from the Member, the Mayor indicated that the proposed one-year timescale for removal of the cycle lane was acceptable, as the road would remain open throughout.
· Reference was made to the recent announcement of Town Guards and a request made for an update. In response, the Mayor explained that this was a Council proposal and in the early stages; the announcement was unplanned. The guards would not surpass the role/duties of the Police. The Mayor clarified that the Police and Crime Commissioner had secured four additional Town Centre officers to commence at the end of the year.
· A Member referred to asylum seekers and commented that, as human beings, asylum seekers had a right/need to be here and it was the Council’s responsibility to look after those being persecuted. The Mayor agreed with this point and highlighted the importance of balancing numbers with the respect and treatment that asylum seekers deserved. Reference was made to the need for fair funding and ensuring that Middlesbrough was resourced sufficiently to help everyone.
NOTED