Agenda item

To receive a written update from the Mayor and deal with questions and answers arising therefrom

The Mayor moved his report as written.

Questions in relation to the Mayor’s Report

Councillor Rush on how funding priorities are assessed.

The Mayor explained that when funding was provided, the outcomes were expected to be in line with the Government’s ambitions.  Where funding was more flexible, for example when budgets were set, the Council tried to support those in greatest need wherever possible.  Recognising that need came in many different forms, universal offers were in place across every ward.  The Mayor highlighted recent investments in the Nunthorpe Ward which included a new Community Centre, road infrastructure improvements and youth provision.  The Mayor extended an invitation to Councillor Rush to meet with him to further discuss the points raised.

Councillor Uddin in relation to Levick Court.

The Mayor stated that Levick Court had been marked as a red saving on the budget for several months but in this case, outcomes had outweighed financial risks.  Families across the region had faced closures of this type of respite provision.  The re-opening of Levick Court had been a massive benefit both for existing and new residents.  Respite offered an amazing opportunity for those who provided care to other family members.  The Mayor also commented on the fantastic care provided by an ageing population of carers and that the Council should do whatever it could to continue to provide respite for them. 

Councillor Morrish on City of Culture

The Mayor agreed with the Councillor’s comments that the City of Culture nomination was hugely important for Middlesbrough and encourage all Councillors to support the bid.  The Mayor also agreed with the Councillor’s comments in respect of homelessness in the town and that the Council needed to ensure people were housed.  Later this year the Council would be introducing a new Homelessness Strategy.  Three new posts in the Homelessness Team had been recruited to recently including a Head of Social Care and Housing.  Numbers of homeless people in Middlesbrough had been increasing since 2021 and this was a shocking sign of the times.    The Mayor added that house building needed to continue and the Council needed to gain control of empty properties and renovate them to ensure that quality homes could be provided to support those people who were furthest away from the property market to gain their own tenancies.  A briefing would be provided to all Members in respect of homelessness issues and demonstrate what actions were being taken to help those who needed housing.   Responding to a suggestion of setting aside a secure area for rough sleepers, the Mayor explained that it was difficult to create specific sites since this could bring further issues such as encouraging people from other areas to move to the town.  The key to addressing the issue was to identify problems earlier and ensure that adequate housing available for people identifying as homeless, rather than normalising people living in tents.  In respect of cleaning up the environment, additional neighbourhood caretakers and a back alley cleansing team had been employed.