Decision details

1.

Title of Item/Report

Stockton-on-Tees Plan - Progress 2025

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on the Stockton-on-Tees Plan.

Following Council agreement of the Stockton-on-Tees Plan in 2024, it was agreed that Cabinet would receive annual performance updates.

The indicators attached to the report provided Cabinet with an update on the Council’s progress against the high-level outcomes identified in the Stockton-on-Tees Plan.

The Stockton-on-Tees Plan (2024) set a Vision for the future of the Borough, developed with communities, for communities:

Our Vision: Stockton-on-Tees is home. It's a warm and friendly place where we welcome others and come together as a single community. We are a diverse and inspiring Borough, culturally rich and with confidence in a future that we can all share and be proud of. At the economic heart of the Tees Valley, we are a dynamic, safe and healthy place where everyone can grow and succeed. We will continue to work together to reduce inequalities and barriers to opportunity.

The wider plan was developed to reflect the drivers and priorities that can turn the Vision into reality, and included a picture of success, underpinned by key outcome measures (What success looks like - Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council).

Outcomes centre around the priority areas of:

•         The best start in life to achieve big ambitions

•         Healthy and Resilient Communities 

•         A Great Place to Live, Work and Visit

•         An Inclusive Economy 

•         A Sustainable Council

The appendix to the report provided the first years’ progress report against key outcome measures.

This included:

- Areas where the Council performs above the national average, and demonstrated strong performance trends aligned to the Council ambitions:

% of households in fuel poverty

% of children having a good level of development at foundation stage

Gross Value Added (GVA) per hour worked

- Areas where the Council shows strong performance relative to national averages, however there was a need to manage local trends to improve outcomes:

Average Attainment 8 score

- Areas where the Council demonstrates strong performance trends aligned to the Council ambitions:

Total recorded offences

Employment rate

- Known areas of challenge, which form the basis of targeted activity to improve outcomes:

% of 16 and 17 year olds who were not in education, employment or training

Healthy life expectancy

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

1.       To Ensure Transparency and Accountability:

Regular reporting against the Stockton-on-Tees Plan enables Cabinet and stakeholders to monitor progress, assess the effectiveness of service delivery, and ensure that the Council remains accountable to residents and partners.

2.       To Support Evidence-Based Decision-Making:

The report provides an overview of outcomes, highlighting both achievements and areas requiring improvement. This evidence base supports informed decision-making and prioritisation of resources.

3.       To Drive Continuous Improvement:

Identifying areas for improvement allows for timely intervention and the implementation of corrective actions. This promotes a culture of continuous improvement across services and contributes to better outcomes for communities.

4.       To Align with Strategic Priorities:

Monitoring progress against the Stockton-on-Tees Plan ensures that the organisation remains focused on delivering its strategic objectives and that progress is aligned with the Council’s vision and long-term goals.

5.       To Inform Future Planning and Budgeting:

Insights from the report can inform future service planning, policy development, and budget setting, ensuring that resources are targeted effectively to meet community needs.

6.       To Highlight and Celebrate Success:

Recognising areas of strong progression helps to motivate staff, share best practice, and reinforce the Council’s commitment to delivering high-quality services.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Not applicable the report is for noting only.