Agenda and draft 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 18 March 2026 and 1 April 2026.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meetings held on 18 March 2026 and 1 April 2026.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meetings held on 18 March 2026 and 1 April 2026 be confirmed and signed by the Worshipful the Mayor as a correct record.

Question 1

The following question was submitted by Dan Poole:

“I set up a suicide prevention initiative called One More Life in 2017 and was making some good progress in 2019, sadly my best friend tragically took his own life on December 6th, 2019. I am currently going through the process of registering as a charitable organisation in Stockton. What support can I access through the council in terms of people, infrastructure, and resources to ensure that we have a robust set up this time round and that we can reduce our high rates of suicide locally?”

The Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care (Councillor Pauline Beall) responded with:

“Thank you for your enquiry. I am very sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your friend. The Council is continuing to work with partners including the NHS and the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector on this important issue, to promote mental health and wellbeing and access to the support available.  I am aware that you had a telephone conversation with one of our managers in the Public Health team to help ensure you are connected with the appropriate support, and it is great that you intend to undertake trainer training in both Safe Talk and ASIST (applied suicide intervention skills training).  We are aware that you are also pursuing Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) status with support from Catalyst. 

The role of VCSE organisations is key in raising awareness, providing support and promoting the voice of people with lived experience in prevention and response around mental wellbeing. The Council actively participates in suicide prevention and the Public Health team will facilitate a link to the Tees Suicide Prevention Co-ordinator and the many suicide prevention partners within their network who contribute to the delivery of the Tees Suicide Prevention Strategy.  We also commission services: Cruse to provide a post-vention offer to people and communities affected by suicide; and the Tees Mental Health Training Hub which provides applied suicide intervention skills training and many other courses related to mental health. Both of these services are part of the afore mentioned network. We will also connect you to the Council’s community engagement team to support you further and we would like to wish you well in your endeavours.”

Question 2

The following question was submitted by John McDermottoe:

“What assessment has Stockton Borough Council made of the financial impact that Net Zero-related policies are having on local industry, manufacturing competitiveness and household costs across the Borough?”

The Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture (Councillor Nigel Cooke) responded with:

“Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council adopted an Environmental Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Strategy (ESCRS) in 2022.  The strategy states that Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council should act as a catalyst to encourage and inspire residents, businesses, and other organisations to adopt practices and take positive action which will contribute to an environmentally sustainable borough.

The UK government’s Net Zero Strategy aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 through a comprehensive legal framework established by  ...  view the full minutes text for item COU/24/26

Consideration was given to a report asking Council to consider a nomination to the Standing Conference on Religious Education (SACRE).

RESOLVED that Councillor Marc Besford be appointed to SACRE.

Consideration was given to a report seeking the Council’s agreement to commence a new Local Plan in accordance with Regulations and the establishment of a cross party consultative advisory steering group.

A number of detailed questions were raised at the meeting in relation to the process and following discussion it was proposed by Councillor Richard Eglington, seconded by Councillor Niall Innes and

RESOLVED that the item be deferred to a future meeting to allow consideration of the questions raised.

Consideration was given to a report seeking adoption of the Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document. The report also outlined next steps in relation to confirmation of the Article 4 Direction.

RESOLVED that Council:

1)    Notes and consider comments of Planning Committee in relation to the Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document.

2)    Adopts the Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document (Appendix A) and its accompanying technical appendices (Appendices B to D).

3)    Delegates authority to approve non-material and minor alterations to the SPD and its accompanying technical appendices to the Director of Regeneration and Inclusive Growth in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, prior to publication.

Consideration was given to the revised Consent Street Trading Policy, following receipt of a valid petition, a public consultation and comments received from General Licensing Committee.

RESOLVED that the proposed consent street trading policy be approved.

Motion 1

It was moved by Cllr Niall Innes, seconded by Cllr Tony Riordan and unanimously:

RESOLVED

This Council notes the increasing concerns raised by residents across the Borough regarding unsafe, inconsiderate and obstructive parking, particularly around school entrances, bus stops and residential streets. Residents regularly report issues including blocked pavements preventing access for those with disabilities or pushchairs, vehicles stopping in restricted zones outside schools creating dangerous conditions for children and parents, and persistent parking in locations where enforcement is difficult to maintain. These issues not only cause daily frustration but pose genuine risks to safety and accessibility within our communities.

This Council further notes that a number of local authorities, including Middlesbrough Council, utilise mobile CCTV enforcement vehicles to support parking enforcement, particularly in locations where on-foot enforcement is difficult or impractical.

This Council further notes that:

·         Evidence from Middlesbrough shows such vehicles have issued hundreds of Penalty Charge Notices annually, historically generating around £18,000 per year, with more recent figures indicating ongoing income in the region of £5,000–£10,000 per year;

·         These vehicles are primarily deployed at school entrances, bus stops and high-risk locations, where they improve compliance and reduce dangerous parking behaviour;

·         Over time, the number of contraventions typically falls, demonstrating a clear deterrent effect and improved driver behaviour;

·         This Council recognises the ongoing concerns raised by residents regarding unsafe and inconsiderate parking, particularly around schools, and the pressure this places on existing enforcement resources.

This Council further recognises that a mobile CCTV enforcement vehicle has the potential to:

·         Support enforcement teams by covering multiple locations efficiently;

·         Improve road safety and accessibility in high-risk areas;

·         Generate income that can contribute towards offsetting its cost over time;

Therefore, this Council resolves to request that the Cabinet:

1)    Undertake a full options appraisal on the introduction of a mobile CCTV enforcement vehicle within Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council;

2)    Report on:

·         The full capital and revenue costs, and the expected payback period;

·         The anticipated impact on parking compliance and road safety, particularly around schools;

·         The potential level of income generation and cost recovery;

·         Comparative data and outcomes from neighbouring authorities, including Middlesbrough;

3)    Identify how any proposal could be funded within existing resources, including opportunities for reprioritisation within current enforcement, highways or transport budgets;

4)    Set out clear arrangements for transparency and reporting, annual publication of performance, income and compliance data.

Motion 2

It was moved by Cllr David Reynard and seconded by Cllr Tony Riordan:

“This Council notes that:

Despite receiving over £4.4 million per year in Central Government funding for highways maintenance, many roads across the Borough remain in a visibly deteriorating condition, with residents frequently raising concerns about poor surfaces, recurring defects, and roads worn down to their base layers.

Council further notes that:

·         Only 1.05% of the total road network has been treated through planned works in the last year

·         No Central Government funding has been used directly for reactive pothole repairs, despite these being one of the most common issues raised by residents

·         The cost of  ...  view the full minutes text for item COU/29/26

Question 1

The following question was submitted by Cllr Sufi Mubeen:

“The Home Office developed Clear, Hold, Build, as a framework for tackling serious and organised crime at a neighbourhood level, involving partners and the community in delivering and sustaining reductions in serious organised crime, related crime, and Anti-Social Behaviour.

In 2023 this Labour led council adopted this strategy in the Stockton Town Centre and Ropner Ward’s. Moving forward the strategy was headlined under the Project Harmony and Operation Nightfall banners.

Can the Cabinet Member please update members as to the progression of these initiatives?”

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

“Since adopting the Home Office Clear, Hold, Build framework in 2023, the Council and partners have delivered Project Harmony and Operation Nightfall in Stockton Town Centre and Ropner Ward with clear success. The initial Clear phase focused on disrupting organised crime through arrests, enforcement activity and high visibility patrols, led by Cleveland Police with strong Council support. This moved into the Hold phase, maintaining a sustained multi-agency presence, challenging inappropriate HMOs and licensing applications, and embedding community engagement. The Build phase then strengthened community resilience through residents’ groups, Family Hub drop ins, environmental improvements and targeted community investment. These initiatives have resulted in significant and sustained reductions in crime and anti-social behaviour, and by late 2025 the programme transitioned from an intensive project into business as usual, with key elements such as Operation Nightfall patrols, Family Hub engagement and councillor walkabouts continuing into 2026.”

Cllr Sufi Mubeen asked the following supplementary question:

“Would the Cabinet Member agree that in reality incidents of anti-social behaviour, including rape and violence are on the increase in Ropner and other town centre wards despite promises by the Council to make these areas safer and that the Council is giving tax payers’ money to street workers?”

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

“The answer to the first part of the question is no and the Council is not providing money to street workers; refreshments are being provided by A Way Out and Change Grow Live.”

Question 2

The following question was submitted by Cllr Nathan Gale:

“Could the Cabinet Member outline what actions Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is currently taking—and plans to take—to increase the uptake of Supported Internships for young people with special educational needs and disabilities, including how the Council is working with local employers, education providers and support organisations to expand opportunities and improve outcomes?”

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

“Thank you Mr Mayor and Cllr Gale.

I am proud to speak about the ambitious work we are delivering to create a more inclusive future and expand opportunities for young people across Stockton-on-Tees—particularly for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

At the heart of our approach is a simple but powerful belief: every young person, regardless of their background or needs, deserves the chance to thrive, to  ...  view the full minutes text for item COU/30/26

“Mr Mayor, since our last meeting Cabinet has continued to meet regularly and progress a wide range of work across the Borough, with decision records circulated to Members in the usual way.

At our next Cabinet meeting we are due to consider a number of reports covering adult services, children’s services, housing, environmental delivery and regeneration activity.

This includes reports relating to supported and temporary accommodation, reablement services, learning disability care provision and wider environmental and green infrastructure proposals linked to the Powering Our Future programme. Cabinet will also receive a report arising from scrutiny work relating to children not in school.

As always, these reports reflect both the increasing complexity of demand facing local government services and the continuing importance of investing in our communities, neighbourhoods and public spaces despite the ongoing financial pressures councils continue to face nationally.

Alongside that work, activity continues across the Borough on regeneration, economic development and service transformation as we move further into the new financial year. I know Members across the chamber will recognise the scale of work being undertaken by staff across all service areas to continue delivering services for residents day in and day out.

Before I finish, I also want to highlight what promises to be a fantastic community event for the Borough next month as Stockton hosts Armed Forces Day celebrations within the new Stockton Waterfront urban park.

It will be the first major public event held within the new park and is a fitting way to recognise the contribution of serving personnel, veterans and armed forces families from across our communities. The programme will include community activities, live performances and a ceremonial flypast by the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which I know will attract considerable interest across the Borough.

Events such as this are an important reminder not only of the contribution made by our armed forces, but also of the role that community events and public spaces play in bringing people together.

And finally, Mr Mayor, as fellow Boro supporters, recent events have at least reminded us both that if you cannot quite get the job done on the pitch, a strong legal strategy can still apparently get you to Wembley.

I am sure our Monitoring Officer and legal team will be pleased to see the legal profession finally receiving some overdue public recognition.

Thank you, Mr Mayor.”