Agenda item

To receive written updates from Executive Members, and deal with questions and answers arising therefrom

Question in relation to the update of the Deputy Mayor and Executive Member for Education and Culture – Councillor Storey.

Councillor Clynch on Special Free School.

The Deputy Mayor stated that it was essential to get the provision right from nursery all the way to sixth form for Middlesbrough children.   A decision on the special school would be made before 27 February 2026.  There were children in Middlesbrough with incredibly complex needs and more provision for SEND was needed.   Middlesbrough currently had sufficient sixth form provision at Middlesbrough College, Macmillan and Trinity Schools.  Further provision in the town could potentially have led to the closure of one of those establishments.  

Questions in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Children’s Services – Councillor Henman.

Councillor Wilson on Cared for Children and Care Leavers.

The Executive Member agreed that the number of young people in care was relatively high and had increased over the last couple of months.    The number was 498 in September 2025, which was significantly reduced from 570 in 2020, and over 600 the previous year.  There was a balance between making sure young people were safe and also receiving  appropriate support and intervention.  In terms of those young people currently in care, 67% were in foster care placements, 7% in residential care, 12% in children’s homes and 8% were with parents with a care order.  The smallest number of children were in residential care homes, and the largest number with foster carers who did a fantastic job in Middlesbrough.

Staff reviewed care placements frequently to make sure circumstances were still appropriate for a young person to be in care or whether intervention could be stepped down or needed to be stepped up.  It was important that young people were not subject to care orders for longer than they needed to be.  The Executive Member was hopeful that with early help and appropriate intervention in place, the numbers in care would reduce. 

Questions in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Development – Councillor Furness.

Councillor Wilson on Cemetery Expansion.

The Executive Member confirmed that investment in Middlesbrough’s burial plots aimed to deliver up to 1,258 spaces.   Due to planning policy requirement to address Biodiversity Net Gain, 22 spaces had to be sacrificed, leaving a total of 1236 new plots.    Additional plots would be provided in Thorntree and Acklam Cemeteries and a small cemetery at Nunthorpe was also part of the expansion plan.  The Executive Member added that all land would be surveyed to ensure appropriate mitigations were in place to alleviate potential flooding.

Councillor Rush on Nunthorpe Community Centre.

The Executive Member clarified that there was a plan to have parking around the Centre and that provision would be addressed as part of the planning application.   The Executive Member acknowledged however, that it would be difficult to plan parking for larger events.

Councillor Rush on Infrastructure of roads/GP/School in Nunthorpe

The Executive Member confirmed that further infrastructure was being added to the area, including a bypass road to the new development at Nunthorpe Grange.   A Transport Strategy had been included in the Local Plan.  Whilst Section 106 funding was made available by developers, this was often not available until the development was completed.  Consideration was also given to trying to help move people more efficiently through improved provision of reliable public transport.  In relation to possible expansion of the current GP Surgery, the Executive Member explained that this was not a Council matter.  School provision was kept under consideration by the Council in order to ensure that sufficient places were available.

Questions in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability - Councillor Peter Gavigan

Councillor Wilson on Street Lighting.

The Executive Member explained that he did not have any more detailed information other than that provided in his report as to the precise locations that would be receiving upgraded street lighting.  The Executive Member undertook to seek this information and provide it to Councillor Wilson when it was available.

Councillor Morrish on Waste Services.

The Executive Member stated that as far as possible, waste collection dates would remain the same although due to operational requirements, it was not possible to confirm that there would be no changes at all.  Briefing sessions would be held for all Members to share the Communications Strategy ahead of the roll out of the new waste collection service.  Residents would be able to access collection calendars online and sign up for email reminders.

Councillor Morrish on Road Safety.

The Executive Member confirmed that unfortunately the enforcement vehicle could only take enforcement action on parking on zigzag lines, bus stops and bus lanes by law.  Wardens conducted regular foot patrols around schools to provide a high visible presence and remind people of responsible parking.  Notices were issued to drivers who parked inconsiderately and fixed penalty notices to anyone parking illegally. 

Councillor Rush on Enforcement Car within patrol areas at school times.

The Executive Member commented that, despite officers’ best efforts, the information requested in respect of the number of visits to Chandlers’ Ridge, The Avenue and St Bernadette’s Primary Schools undertaken by the enforcement car was not available for this meeting.    As soon as the information was available it would be emailed to Councillor Rush.  The Executive Member confirmed that consideration would also be given to increasing the number of visits if this was warranted.

Councillor Rush on the Resurfacing Programme.

The Executive Member informed Members that The Avenue had been inspected and scored by the Highways Maintenance Team and it was planned for joint repair at the northern end near to Gypsy Lane.  This work was scheduled for the 2026-2027 programme with resurfacing in the 2027-2028 programme.  This would be confirmed and Ward Councillors would be notified of proposed works well in advance.  The Executive Member asked Councillors to report any areas where urgent remedial works were required.  The fantastic performance of the Road Maintenance Team in a recent survey was highlighted by the Executive Member.  Middlesbrough Council was one of only 16 out of 154 Local Authorities rated green in a national survey.  The Executive Member extended his thanks to the team.

Question in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Finance – Councillor Nicky Walker.

Councillor Morrish on Members Small Scheme (Capital)

The Executive Member explained that there had been a previous round of the scheme earlier in the year, with a briefing on 14 July 2025 for all Members.  The Executive Member was keen for Members to have an earlier opportunity for the next round for their scheme to be completed within the financial year.  The submission period was 6 weeks, with a briefing part way through to enable Members to think about their submissions and have an opportunity to ask any questions at that point.  However, the Executive Member took on board the Councillor’s comments in relation to a longer submission period.  The Executive Member also took the opportunity to highlight the Revenue Scheme, at the rate of £5000 per Member, per Ward, subject to being agreed in the next Budget, would also continue next year. 

Questions in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods -

Councillor Ian Blades.

Councillor L Young on Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) Signage

The Executive Member confirmed that the Neighbourhood Team was currently undertaking an audit of PSPO Signage in the TS1 area and would replace any missing signage.  If Councillors had any specific requests for additional signage they were invited to email the Neighbourhood Team or the Executive Member with details.  The Team were also looking to purchase stickers for communal bins to remind people of the consequences of fly tipping and bin rummaging. 

Councillor L Young on Aggressive Behaviour in Town Centre

Under the PSPO, street preaching was not prohibited.   However, Wardens could challenge anyone who approached members of the public to ask for subscriptions or donations, who were not in possession of a street permit or licence.  The Wardens had been asked to increase their activity in this area and record any instances of aggressive chugging.