Agenda and minutes

The Worshipful the Mayor welcomed everyone and outlined the arrangements for the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the last meetings held on 21 January 2026 and 18 February 2026.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meetings held on 21 January 2026 and 18 February 2026.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meetings held on 21 January 2026 and 18 February 2026 be confirmed and signed by the Worshipful the Mayor as a correct record.

Members observed a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for former Councillor Chris Coombs who had recently passed away.

Question 1

A public question had been submitted. However, the questioner was not present at the meeting therefore it was advised that a written reply would be sent.

Question 2

A public question had been submitted by Samuel Bradford. However, the questioner was not present at the meeting therefore it was advised that a written reply would be sent to him.

Question 3

A public question had been submitted by Samuel Bradford. However, the questioner was not present at the meeting therefore it was advised that a written reply would be sent to him.

Question 4

The following question was submitted by Karlee Atkinson:

“Both myself, my councillor and others have reported on numerous occasions over the last 12 months about the illegal, dangerous and inconsiderate parking around Billingham South School. Particularly around Belasis Avenue and Bedale Avenue. Please can you tell me how many times that this area has been visited by enforcement and how many PCNs have been issued to vehicles in this area at school run times in that time?”

The Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety (Cllr Norma Stephenson) responded with:

“Thank you for bringing this issue to the Council’s attention. I share your concern regarding illegal and dangerous parking, especially around schools in our borough.

Civil Enforcement Officers have been carrying out targeted patrols in this area. Where officers observe vehicles parked in contravention of restrictions, enforcement action is taken in accordance with legislation. Unfortunately, there are significant demands on the time of our Civic Enforcement Officers who cannot be at every school, at the same time. It is therefore important that parents and carers also play their own part in keeping young children and pedestrians safe by parking in a safe and legal manner.

In the current financial year, 21 Penalty Charge Notices have been issued in this area, compared with 8 issued in the previous financial year which demonstrates an increase in enforcement activity although issues associated with school parking cannot be dealt with through enforcement activity alone.

A patrol tasking in this area remains in place, and recent visits have shown improved compliance. I recognise the concern that enforcement activity may not always be visible. Enforcement is intelligence led and balanced against demand across the borough, but officers are instructed to take action whenever contraventions are witnessed. Alongside enforcement, the Council continues to focus on education and visibility to encourage better driver behaviour and improve compliance over time.

The Council will continue to monitor this area closely and adjust enforcement activity where necessary. The safety of pedestrians, particularly around schools, remains a priority and we will continue to use both enforcement and engagement to reduce the risk of serious incidents.”

Karlee Atkinson asked the following supplementary question:

“Three weeks ago, during school run time, an enforcement van was observed driving at a snail’s pace passed cars parked illegally. Enforcement Officers were seen walking in areas where there are parking bays but ignored the problem area. What is the Council going  ...  view the full minutes text for item COU/86/25

Consideration was given to a report seeking changes to Committee memberships in accordance with the wishes of political groups.

RESOLVED

(1)  That Councillor Sylvia Walmsley replace Councillor Ian Dalgarno on People Select Committee.

(2)  That Councillor Steve Dodds replace Councillor Dan Fagan on Planning Committee.

Consideration was given to a report asking Council to approve revisions to the Council’s Constitution following consideration by Member’ Advisory Panel and Cabinet.

RESOLVED

(1)  That the wording within the Council's Constitution is amended to be clear and consistent that if there are over 1000 signatures on a petition, then referral to Council is automatic and that only final responses, not all correspondence, will be published.

(2)  That the Council’s Constitution specifies that electronic petitions are only accepted via the Modern.Gov platform to enable the Council to set the parameters of the petition (i.e. that the petition can only be signed by a person if they live, work or study in the Borough).

(3)  That the Council’s Constitution is amended to extend the composition of the Scrutiny Liaison Committee to include the Group Leader and Deputy Group Leader of each political party on the Council (where they are not already a member of the Forum in another role).

Motion 1

It was moved by Cllr Ted Strike and seconded by Cllr Tony Riordan and

RESOLVED That

“Council notes that:

Adult Social Care is a national statutory responsibility placed upon local authorities by Parliament, yet the current funding framework depends heavily on locally raised council tax, including the Adult Social Care precept. Because council tax bases vary significantly across England, residents in areas with lower property values are required to contribute proportionally more to raise the equivalent level of Adult Social Care funding as those in areas with stronger tax bases. This creates a structural and systemic inequity in the financing of what is, by law, a national service. Council further notes that, despite repeated commitments from successive governments to reform Adult Social Care funding, the present arrangements remain unchanged.

Council further notes that:

The continued reliance on local taxation to fund a national statutory service is both unsustainable and unfair. The responsibility for addressing this inequity, and for establishing a fair and resilient national funding model for Adult Social Care, rests squarely with Central Government.

Council therefore resolves:

(1)  That the Chief Executive be instructed to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer

(a)  seeking an immediate and definitive timetable for the introduction of a replacement national funding model for Adult Social Care; and

(b)  calling upon the Government to introduce, without delay, an interim national equalisation mechanism for the Adult Social Care element of council tax, such that residents in equivalent council tax bands contribute on a consistent basis across England regardless of variations in local tax base.

(2)  That the communication make clear that this Council considers the current funding model inequitable and in urgent need of reform.

(3)  That any response received from the Chancellor of the Exchequer be reported to Full Council at the earliest available meeting.”

Motion 2

It was moved by Councillor Niall Innes and seconded by Councillor Tony Riordan:

“This Council notes:

(1)   That the Labour Government’s approach to public service funding, including the so-called “Fair Funding” arrangements and recent national settlements, has failed to deliver genuinely fair or needs-based funding for policing, fire and rescue services, or local government in areas such as Cleveland.

(2)  That Cleveland Police has publicly and repeatedly warned that current Government funding settlements are inadequate, unfair, and unsustainable, resulting in a projected funding shortfall of around £2.4 million, equivalent to approximately 40 frontline police officers, despite continued high levels of crime, vulnerability, and demand. Between 2024 2025, national police forces have seen a net decrease of 2,195 officers.

(3)  That Cleveland Police received the lowest percentage funding increase nationally, a settlement which its Labour Police and Crime Commissioner has described as deeply unfair and disconnected from operational reality, placing frontline policing at risk.

(4)  That since Labour came to power in 2024, police forces nationally have faced ongoing real-terms funding pressure, with forces such as Cleveland being forced to plan for reductions in officer numbers, fewer specialist roles, and reduced neighbourhood policing capacity, not because  ...  view the full minutes text for item COU/89/25

Question 1

Councillor Nathan Gale withdrew his question.

Question 2

The following question was submitted by Cllr Barbara Inman:

“In light of the Government’s Best Start in Life Strategy which sets ambitious targets for all local authorities to significantly increase the proportion of children achieving a Good Level of Development (GLD) by 2028, what are Stockton Council’s planned measures to improve GLD outcomes for children and how will these initiatives support early years settings, families and communities across the Borough?”

The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People (Cllr Clare Besford responded with:

“I am pleased to update Council on the progress we are making through our Best Start in Life work—progress that reflects this authority’s determination to address inequality at its roots, not simply talk about it.

Members will be aware that achieving a Good Level of Development is a key measure of school readiness, capturing children’s early communication, physical development, personal and social skills, literacy and maths. These are the foundations of opportunity. If we are serious about fairness, if we truly believe in equality of opportunity, then we cannot allow gaps to widen before a child even starts school.

Last week, I presented to Cabinet our new Best Start in Life Plan, co-produced with families and partners. This plan is not just another strategy on a shelf. It is a clear statement of intent: that persistent inequalities in this borough must be confronted, not accepted; and that every child—regardless of background, postcode or circumstance—deserves the same strong start.

Our plan focuses on three priority areas.

First, strengthening family support and the home learning environment. Through our Family Hubs, we are improving access to parenting support, early literacy and play sessions, and providing clear information on child development. This is about practical action that empowers families, not rhetoric.

Second, improving speech, language and communication. We are promoting consistent early communication messages, improving joint work at the 2 to 2½ year review, expanding evidence-based programmes and investing in workforce skills. Early intervention is one of the strongest tools we have to break cycles of disadvantage.

Third, supporting high quality early years provision. We are working with settings to strengthen quality, improve SEND support and increase take up of funded childcare places. Access to good early education should never depend on how well a family can navigate the system.

To deliver this, we have established a multi-agency School Readiness Focus Group, bringing together health, education, early years providers and the voluntary sector. And in Redhill, we are testing an enhanced 0–5 offer through a new Best Start Family Hub—learning what works before scaling it borough wide.

Mr Mayor, improving GLD outcomes is ambitious, but it is essential if we want a fairer, more equal Stockton on Tees. This Council has made a commitment: that every child should have the strongest possible start in life. And through this plan, we are acting on that commitment.

I want to be clear: this is not the responsibility of one service or one administration.  ...  view the full minutes text for item COU/90/25

“Thank you for attending Council tonight.

Our last full Council meeting took place on 18 February where the 2026/27 budget and indicative medium term financial plan were approved. Since then, Cabinet has met once, last week, on 12 March. It was a busy agenda, among the items discussed were:

·         The final report of the Adult Social Care and Health Select Committee on the Scrutiny Review of the Stockton-on-Tees Adult Carer’s Support Service

·         The Adult Social Care Strategy for 2026-2030

·         An update on the Round 1 Levelling Up Fund programme and Yarm High Street public realm scheme

·         An update on the Accelerated Affordable housing delivery programme

·         The decision records have been circulated to all Members and the minutes are available online.

The next Cabinet meeting is on 23 April 2026. So far among the items on the Forward Plan for that meeting are an update on the Central Stockton and North Thornaby Pride in Place Programme.

I have had the pleasure of being at Preston Hall many times recently, including viewing exhibitions and showing guests around. If you haven't been yet, make sure you plan a visit to this Easter. The new exhibition celebrating internationally acclaimed performer, La Voix, is on until June, showcasing the extraordinary career of one of the Borough's most successful entertainers.

La Voix has kindly loaned the museum a selection of her iconic costumes, accessories, photographs and personal memorabilia, giving visitors a rare glimpse into her celebrated career.

There will be a host of Easter themed activities too and the beautiful walled garden will reopen on 28 March for all to enjoy.

In the coming months our flagship regeneration project Stockton Waterfront urban park will open.

Stockton Waterfront is the latest chapter in the transformation of Stockton Town Centre. Once open, it will connect the town centre to the River Tees once more and will be an iconic new public space to host vibrant events, impressive play areas and heritage opportunities for residents and visitors.

The Borough is on the cusp of some of the biggest regeneration programmes of this generation and Stockton Waterfront is a huge opportunity to drive further change in the area for years to come.

The annual Mayor's Civic Awards will take place on 1 April at the Annual Meeting and will recognise those who have gone above and beyond helping to make Stockton-on-Tees a great place to live. It's always a celebration of everything that is good about Stockton-on-Tees and a great opportunity to highlight the amazing residents and organisations going out of their way to help boost community spirit.

At the Council's Annual Meeting on Wednesday 1 April, Councillor Richardson will use his final engagement as outgoing Mayor to honour the winners of the seven award categories.

I look forward to seeing you all there.”