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 meeting held on 21 May 2025.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 21 May 2025.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 21 May 2025 be confirmed and signed by the Worshipful the Mayor as a correct record.

Members held a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for Honorary Alderman Jeremy Atkinson who had recently passed away.

The following question was submitted by Janet Clancy for response by the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing.

“What is the council doing to free up derelict properties?  For example, two houses in Norton, 66 Norton Avenue and 68 Norton Avenue.  They were converted into Council offices over 25 years ago and have been left empty.”

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing responded with:

“The properties in question are owned by a local Registered Housing Provider, the Council is in contact with them to understand their plans for future use.

The Council works proactively with property owners to support owners return their properties to use.  If appropriate we will also use our enforcement powers to ensure that properties are secured.

We will also proactively seek funding opportunities for monies which can be used to bring empty properties to use.  For example, in the North Thornaby Area, Town Deal monies have been used by the Council to support a partnership with a local Registered Housing Provider (North Star) which has recently to date resulted in 5 properties being returned to occupation, 3 further properties have been purchased and are undergoing repair before occupation with a further 7 planned.

In addition, long-term empty properties are also subject to a Council Tax ‘empty homes premium’ (with the aim of encouraging owners to return to use).

The process of taking control of empty housing and properties and returning them to use without the agreement of the owners is fraught with difficulties as highlighted in the Place Select Committee report on Affordable Housing. Contained within that report was a recommendation for the Leader of the Council to write to central government to highlight the issues of properties being left empty and the obstacles to local authorities to take control and bring the properties back into use.”

Janet Clancy asked the following supplementary question:-

“So how many homes across the Borough are empty?”

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing responded with:-

“I will have to get back to you with that figure. It was in the Place Select Committee report.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following question was submitted by Nathan Sizer for response by the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing:-

 “What is happening with the derelict Newtown Social Club on Durham Road? The building is falling into further disrepair and stone cladding is now starting to fall off the building into the public footpath and road below. It needs demolished. Also a source of constant anti-social behaviours.”

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing responded with:-

“Newtown Social Club is in private ownership.  The Council is in contact with the owner to ensure that the building is secured.

A meeting has recently been held between the MP for Stockton North (Chris McDonald) Councillor Surtees, representative from the local resident’s association, the council and 3 local Registered Housing Providers.  Each of the Registered Housing Providers have agreed to consider exploring whether they can potentially use the building or land for residential development.  During this meeting, it  ...  view the full minutes text for item COU/39/25

Consideration was given to a report that presented the following, for consideration:

-   amendments to committees (Appendix 1 of the report)

-   vacancies on outside bodies (Appendix 2 of the report)

-   vacancies on vice chairs’ positions (Appendix 3 of the report)

Appendix 1 of the report provided details of political groups’ wishes, in line with their allocations under political proportionality regulations.

Appendices 2 and 3 of the report provided details of nominations received, to date, for outside bodies and vice chairs’ positions.

RESOLVED that:-

1. The amendments to the committees, at Appendix 1 of the report be noted:-

Place Select Committee - Remove: Cllr Bob Cook Add: Cllr Steve Nelson

Children and Young People Select Committee - Remove: Cllr Stephen Richardson

Add: Cllr Jack Miller

2. The nominations at Appendix 2 of the report be approved:-

Standing Advisory Committee for Religious Education (SACRE) - Cllr Clare Besford

3. The nominations, to Vice Chairs’ positions, at Appendix 3 be approved:-

Community Safety Select Committee - Cllr Katie Weston

Place Select Committee - Cllr Steve Nelson

Consideration was given to a report that sought Council’s endorsement and confirmation of the interim arrangements for the statutory role of Section 151 Officer, following the recent retirement of the previous postholder. The decision is necessary to ensure compliance with legislation.

Under s151 of the Local Government Act 1972, every local authority shall make arrangements for the proper administration of their financial affairs and shall secure that one of their officers has responsibility for the administration of those affairs

The appointment of a Section 151 Officer was a statutory requirement and a non-executive function reserved to Full Council, as set out in the Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities) (England) Regulations 2000.

Following the retirement of Garry Cummings, Clare Harper, previously appointed as Deputy Section 151 Officer had continued to discharge the statutory responsibilities of the role in accordance within the established internal delegations. While this continuity fits with the expectations of the Deputy role, it was considered appropriate for Full Council to formally endorse the interim arrangement.

To reflect the significance of the role and ensure consistency with the Council’s management structure, the interim post would be styled Chief Financial Officer. The Acting Section 151 Officer would also hold delegated authority to appoint a Deputy Section 151 Officer, in line with statutory provisions and internal governance arrangements.

The Council’s Appointments Panel would be requested to consider options for the permanent appointment and bring forward a recommendation to Full Council.

RESOLVED that:-

1. The retirement of Garry Cummings, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Finance, Transformation & Performance be noted and appreciation for his service be expressed.

2. The appointment of Clare Harper, Assistant Director of Finance and Deputy Section 151 Officer, as Acting Section 151 Officer, effective from the date of Mr. Cummings’ retirement be endorsed and confirmed.

3. For the purposes of the Council’s Constitution and associated schemes of delegation the following be agreed:

a.         The Acting Section 151 Officer shall be granted the standing and authority equivalent to that of a Director in respect of all decision-making responsibilities;

b.         The Acting Section 151 Officer shall be deemed to hold a Chief Officer position for the duration of the interim arrangement;

c.         The Acting Section 151 Officer shall have delegated authority to appoint a Deputy Section 151 Officer, in accordance with statutory requirements and the Council’s internal governance framework.

4. It be noted that the interim role will be styled Chief Financial Officer for the purposes of internal reporting, organisational communication and external engagement.

5. It be noted that the Council’s Appointments Panel will consider and bring forward a recommendation to Full Council in due course regarding the permanent appointment to the Section 151 Officer role.

Consideration was given to a report that provided an update to the delegations for treasury management activities included within the Treasury Management Practices.

Following the recent retirement of the Council’s Section151 Officer, the delegations for treasury management activities required updating. 

In accordance with CIPFA’s Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services the Council had regard to the key recommendations when determining the current Treasury Management Strategy.

Accordingly, the Council created and maintained, as the cornerstones for effective treasury management:-

•           A treasury management policy statement, stating the policies, objectives and approach to risk management of its treasury management activities.

•           Suitable Treasury Management Practices (TMPs), setting out the manner in which the Council will seek to achieve those policies and objectives, and prescribing how it will manage and control those activities.

The Council (i.e. full Council) would receive reports on its treasury management policies, practices and activities including, as a minimum, an annual strategy and plan in advance of the year.

The Council delegates responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of its treasury management policies and practices to the Audit and Governance Committee and for the execution and administration of treasury management decisions to the nominated Section 151 Officer (the officer with Responsibilities under Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972) will act in accordance with the organisation’s policy statement and TMPs and CIPFA’s Standard of Professional Practice on Treasury Management.

The Council’s Treasury Management Strategy was last approved by Council in February 2025 as part of the Medium Term Financial Plan Update and Strategy Report.

The Treasury Management Practices were last approved by Council as part of the Medium Term Financial Plan Update and Strategy Report in February 2023 and cover the following topics:-

TMP 1       Risk management

TMP 2       Performance measurement

TMP 3       Decision-making and analysis

TMP 4       Approved instruments, methods and techniques

TMP 5       Authority, clarity and segregation of responsibilities and dealing arrangements

TMP 6                  Reporting requirements and management information arrangements

TMP 7       Budgeting, accounting and audit arrangements

TMP 8       Cash and cash flow management

TMP 9       Anti Money laundering

TMP 10     Staff training and qualifications

TMP 11     Use of external service providers

TMP 12     Corporate governance

TMP 5; Authority, clarity and segregation of responsibilities and dealing arrangements, delegates responsibility for day to day treasury management activities to nominated officers within the finance service. Following the retirement of the Council’s existing Section 151 Officer (the officer with responsibilities under Section151 of the Local Government Act 1972), the delegations had been updated.  The updated TMP5 was attached to the report.

RESOLVED that the updated TMP5 included at Appendix A of the report be approved, including the updated officer delegations relating to treasury management activities.

The following motion was moved by Cllr Ross Patterson and seconded by Cllr Kevin Faulks:-

“The UK Government website states: ‘The historic counties are an important element of English traditions which support the identity and cultures of many of our local communities, giving people a sense of belonging, pride and community spirit. They continue to play an important part in the country’s sporting and cultural life as well as providing a reference point for local tourism and heritage. We should all seek to strengthen the role that they can play.’ Government has inserted a hologram of the historic counties inside the back cover of the blue coloured British Passport.

Paragraph 3.47 of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 issued by the Department for Transport allows the signing of historic county boundaries on the highway network. However the requirement to install these has been placed on local authorities, but it is only optional. 

The Borough of Stockton on Tees incorporates 6 towns, 3 north of the River Tees in the historic county of Durham and 3 south of the River Tees in the North Riding of Yorkshire. Each of these towns are seeing exciting developments to enhance and improve them. The Council has also taken a keen interest in the last decade to ensure that the Historic County boundary at the River Tees is marked on its highway network, as well as kindly offering guidance and advice to other local councils wishing to do the same. However, progress elsewhere is frustratingly slow, and we risk losing our heritage if nothing is done.

Therefore, please would the Leader of the Council write to the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and request:

1.         The Traffic Sign Regulations are amended to make it compulsory that Historic County boundary signs must be installed on all the following categories of roads on the Highway Network: motorways; dual carriageways / trunk roads; Category A, B and C roads, by the relevant highway’s authority, whether it is a local authority, Highways England, or the Department for Transport. 

2.         She visits the Borough of Stockton on Tees, to see the exciting developments which are enhancing and improving our 6 towns, and the work the Council has done in the last decade to mark the Historic County Boundary at the River Tees on its highway network, demonstrating why Stockton Borough Council is an outstanding forward thinking authority which also respects and preserves the heritage of our country.”

A vote took place and the motion was agreed.

The following motion was submitted by Cllr Niall Innes and seconded by Cllr Tony Riordan:-

“Council notes that:

Off Road Bikes are causing Havoc on the streets of Stockton.

The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 introduced several new tools and powers for use by councils and their partners to address anti-social behaviour (ASB) in their local areas. These tools, which replaced and streamlined a number of previous measures,  ...  view the full minutes text for item COU/43/25

The following question was submitted by Cllr Niall Innes for response by the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing:-

“To ask the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing for a progress update on the investment works to Billingham following a recent press statement stating works have been further delayed.”

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing responded with:-

“I refer Cllr Innes to the July cabinet report  which sets out the significant progress made on the regeneration of Billingham Town Centre .

50. As reported to Cabinet in May 2025’ a signed funding agreement for the £20m Levelling Up Fund grant was received in April 2025.  Since the last update to Cabinet, the final details of legal agreements between the Council and Evolve are being finalised to enact the decisions taken at Cabinet in June 2024 in regard to the acquisition of part of Queensway South, West Precinct and former Library site of the centre and the key principles of relocation of tenants and demolition to enable residential-led redevelopment alongside commercial investment by Evolve.

51. The approach presented to Cabinet in June 2024 saw the Council acquire part of Queensway South at vacant possession and then undertake demolition of the building.  As drafting of legal agreements has progressed, the opportunity for Evolve to manage demolition of Queensway South prior to the partial disposal to the Council has been proposed.  This approach will make for a more efficient demolition process as Evolve manage a single contractor on their land, as opposed to the more complex approach of the Council undertaking demolition and requiring access across Evolves land at different points.  

52. This approach represents a deviation from the position previously reported to Cabinet and Cabinet are therefore asked to endorse this revised approach and allow for it to be reflected in drafting legal agreements that are already delegated by Cabinet in June 2024.

53. Feasibility work is also underway to explore options for repurposing the disused Council office, Wynyard House, as a public sector hub. The feasibility work has been funded through One Public Estate and is expected to conclude in autumn 2025.

54. The next stage of the project will be to develop plans for residential development on the cleared site, in line with the principles of the agreed masterplan. Options for securing a development partner for the West Precinct and former library and clinic site will be explored, including exploring the opportunity to broaden a partnership with Evolve to enable wider redevelopment, potentially incorporating, where appropriate Council assets within and adjacent to the town centre as a means of increasing investment, unlocking residential growth and safeguarding existing and traditional town centre uses. Discussion with other stakeholders in the vicinity of the town centre will also take place to explore additional opportunities to increase redevelopment potential in the area.”

Cllr Niall Innes asked the following supplementary question:-

“The basis for asking that question because it is not just me or the press asking but also residents, this scheme seems to  ...  view the full minutes text for item COU/44/25

Since Council had last met on 21 May Cabinet had convened on 12 June and again on 17 July. As always, the minutes from those meetings are available on the SBC website.

Looking ahead, Cabinet was next scheduled to meet on 18 September. As there was no Cabinet meeting in August, the Forward Plan for September is not yet fully populated. Officers will bring forward additional items in due course. Members would be aware that the Forward Plan was available online and was regularly updated.

One key item already scheduled for consideration is the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy (2025–2030).

The Leader of the Council had the pleasure of accompanying the Mayor on visits to both Preston Park Museum and Parkfield Community Centre, where they were joined by the Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, Dame Sue Snowdon.

Dame Sue was due to retire after a remarkable period of service as the King’s representative in the Durham Lieutenancy. The Leader of the Council was sure the whole Council would want to join her in recognising her exceptional dedication to the role, her unwavering commitment to public service, and in particular, her strong support for our Borough over the years. The Council sent her very best wishes as she steps down from the Lieutenancy and thanked her sincerely for all work she had done.

Before the next meeting of Council there was a fantastic summer of events to look forward to across the Borough.

Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) would return on 1 August. This world-renowned outdoor arts festival was a true highlight of the cultural calendar, promising surprise, skill, and spectacle for all the family. The Leader of the Council was incredibly proud that SIRF the North East’s largest free outdoor arts and street theatre festival would once again transform the streets of Stockton with music, circus, dance, and more.

The spectacular launch show, Lifelines, would see world-class parkour performers reimagine Stockton’s architecture as a dynamic stage scaling buildings and defying gravity in a breathtaking display of movement and creativity.

The Leader of the Council looked forward to seeing members at the festival, and again at the next full Council meeting on 24 September.