Agenda and minutes

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

Cllr Ted Strike declared an interest for transparency purposes in item 11 – Members Questions – Ingleby Barwick Christmas Market - as a Member of Ingleby Barwick Community Partnership.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 20 November 2024.

Councillor Ted Strike commented that he was still awaiting a response in respect of his supplementary question asking for details of the surveyor and survey costs associated the purchase of the Debenhams in Stockton Town Centre.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 20 November 2024 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Public Question submitted by Andrew Dennis for response by the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, Cllr Nigel Cooke:

“What decision-making processes led to SBC’s supporting the successful Garden Village bid at Wynyard Park, SBC’s role in the delivering that bid and co-ordinating the Wynyard Masterplan delivery.”

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing responded with:

“To provide some clarity, the “Garden Village bid” was a bid to the Government’s Garden Communities Programme and was led by Wynyard Park Ltd, focussing predominantly on land owned by Wynyard Park Ltd and Homes England, the vast majority of which is in the borough of Hartlepool. Due to the close working relationship between HBC and SBC on all matters pertaining to the development of Wynyard as a settlement and the obvious cross boundary matters, both Council’s supported the bid. It is understood a letter of support was provided as part of the bid but as this was undertaken in late 2018 and whilst there will have been documentation and correspondence at the time, these records (including emails) are no longer available due to the Council’s data retention Policies.

Subsequent work on the delivery of the successful bid has been led by Wynyard Park Ltd and Homes England with Hartlepool Borough Council as the lead Local Authority.

SBC’s role has been to deal with cross-boundary issues as they arise. The Wynyard Masterplan is a different entity, it sets a strategic stage of thinking for the Wynyard settlement and sets out the proposals for movement, spaces and land use in the form of a ‘Strategic Framework’ and matches these proposals to a delivery strategy. It was formally adopted by both Councils, in SBC’s case this was at a full Council meeting in November 2019.

In terms of co-ordinating the delivery of the Masterplan it is important to recognise that the Masterplan should not be seen as a rigid blueprint for development and design, but rather a document that sets out the context and development principles within which individual projects come forward. As such the masterplan forms part of the decision-making process when determining planning applications, and therefore development, within the Wynyard area.

Andrew Dennis asked the following supplementary question:

“What assessment was carried out of the impact of the thousands of additional homes in Wynyard and surrounding areas?”

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing responded with:

“The Wynyard Masterplan sets out the strategic framework for land use. Planning applications will need to be determined by the Planning Committee and judged on the merits of each individual application.”

Public Question submitted by Tony Maxwell for response by the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, Cllr Nigel Cooke:

“In July 2023, Cllr Riordan met with the council's monitoring officer to discuss planning service failures. An Inquiry was agreed. What was the brief and outcome of that Inquiry?”

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing responded with:

“Thank you, Mr Maxwell, for your question. Clearly members from all groups may meet with the monitoring officer from time  ...  view the full minutes text for item COU/61/24

Consideration was given to a report on appointments to vacancies on Council committees, boards, panels and joint bodies. 

RESOLVED that the following appointments be made:

•Health and Wellbeing Board – Remove Cllr David Reynard – Add Cllr Sufi Mubeen

•Place Select Committee – Remove Cllr Andrew Sherris – Add Cllr David Reynard

•TVCA Audit and Governance Committee – Remove Cllr David Reynard – Add Cllr Mohammed Mazi

Consideration was given to the revised Inclusive Growth Strategy 2025-2028.

The Strategy marked a new direction for Inclusive Growth.  It set out a Vision for the future, developed in partnership with internal and external stakeholders and would directly link to the Fairer Stockton Framework, which aimed to narrow inequalities gaps across the Borough.

The Strategy had been developed to reflect the importance of a long-term approach that encouraged both sustained economic growth across the Borough and a more equitable distribution of the wealth.

Aspirations for the local area were visionary and forward looking and once approved, the Inclusive Growth Strategy would serve as a guiding framework to work proactively with investors, developers and other stakeholders to create the right conditions for successful inclusive growth.

Whilst this was the Council’s Inclusive Growth Strategy, the Council would work collaboratively with partners (including the business community) to deliver the priorities for success. This would include Business Ambassadors, who were working with the Council as advocates for our people and our place.

RESOLVED that the Inclusive Growth Strategy (as attached at Appendix 1 to the report) be approved.

The following motion had been submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 3.40, moved by Cllr Paul Weston, seconded by Cllr Katie Weston:

“This Council notes that:

•           The new government has pledged “the biggest overhaul to buses in a generation” to “put local communities in the driving seat” by supporting them to place buses under public control and announcing £1Billion for better buses,

•           The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has provided a model for placing buses under public control, stating -

"Greater Manchester is on course to complete the re-regulation of buses on time and on budget early in the New Year, becoming the first city-region outside London to put them fully back under public control after four decades of deregulation.

"Our policy aim throughout has been to create a low-fare, high-patronage system similar to the one that has brought higher growth and productivity to London. This will remain the mission of the Bee Network.

"On 5/1/25, we will proceed with our plan to introduce a new simpler, flatter fare structure based around a £2 single fare and, on 23/3/25, a contactless London-style payment system with a daily and weekly cap setting a maximum for what people pay when travelling on our buses and trams.

"Because of the decisions we have taken, and the progress we have made, Greater Manchester is in a different position to other areas across England when it comes to bus funding and bus fares. We are beginning to benefit from similar financial advantages as those long enjoyed by London.”

•           The Mayor of Liverpool City Region have also taken the decision to franchise local bus services to ensure they take back control of these vital public services that make the difference for people who have no other choices to travel to access education, healthcare and employment opportunities.

•           The Mayors of the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and the North East are also in the process of preparing to make similar decisions.

•           The Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority can exercise such powers under the Bus Services Act and by doing so would make a real difference to the residents of this Borough and others in the Tees Valley.

Therefore, we call on Stockton Council to write to The Mayor of the Tees Valley, Ben Houchen and the Tees Valley Combined Authority to –

•           Bring back under public control the disastrously deregulated bus system.

•           Reinstate a reliable and regular bus service to outlying areas such as, but not only, The Clarences and Stillington

•           Fund a maximum £2 bus fare across the Tees Valley”

Following debate and in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 3.65, it was requested that a recorded vote be taken, which was supported by at least a quarter of the Members present.

Members in favour of the motion:-

Cllr Stefan Barnes, Cllr Jim Beall, Cllr Pauline Beall, Cllr Michelle Bendelow, Cllr Clare Besford, Cllr Marc Besford, Cllr Carol Clark, Cllr Nigel Cooke, Cllr Robert Cook,  ...  view the full minutes text for item COU/64/24

The following motion had been submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 3.40, moved by Cllr Tony Riordan, seconded by Cllr Niall Innes:

“Council notes that:

At the meeting of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council held on 25 January 2023, Members agreed the following motion:

“Fair Compensation for WASPI Women

• In the 1995 Pensions Act, the Government increased State Pension age for women from 60 to 65, with a further increase to 66 in the 2011 Pensions Act.

• The change was not properly communicated to 3.8m women born in the 1950s until 2012, giving some only one year’s notice of a six year increase in their anticipated retirement age. Many of the affected women are in our own authority area and a total of 65,000 in the North East. Source: Copy of CBP-07405 Constituency Estimates, House of Commons Library.

• The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) has found that the

Department for Work and Pensions was guilty of maladministration in its handling of the State Pension Age increase for women born in the 1950s.

• The All Party Parliamentary Group on State Pension Inequality for Women has concluded that “The impact of DWP maladministration on 1950s-born women has been as devastating as it is widespread. The APPG believes that the case for category 6 injustice is overwhelming and clear. Women have had their emotional, physical, and mental circumstances totally obliterated by a lack of reasonable notice.”

• Research commissioned by campaign group WASPI has found that by the end of 2022, more than 220,000 1950s born women will have died waiting for justice since the WASPI campaign began in 2015.

• WASPI’s figures show that over the course of the two year COVID pandemic, 1 in 10

women who died was affected by these uncommunicated changes and lost both their

state pension income and the opportunity to make alternative retirement plans.

• Despite the Ombudsman’s findings and the rapid death rate of those affected, the

government is choosing to wait for further reports before taking any action.

Council believes this injustice has not only had a profound effect on the individuals involved but on the wider community in Stockton and on local government, not least because:

• Women who would have looked after older relatives or partners are unable to afford to do so, with a knock-on impact on local social care

• Women who would have retired and engaged in caring responsibilities for grandchildren are having to continue working, increasing the childcare burden on the state locally

• Women who have been left in poverty are struggling to meet their housing costs, with a knock-on impact on local housing stock

• There is a broader impact on voluntary services of all kinds locally, which are missing out on able, active volunteers who would otherwise have been able to retire from full-time work as planned

• Our local economy is negatively affected by the reduced spending power and disposable income the uncommunicated State Pension Age changes has brough about  ...  view the full minutes text for item COU/65/24

The following motion had been submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 3.40, moved by Cllr Niall Innes, seconded by Cllr Tony Riordan:

“Council notes that:

Recent reports into the grooming/child rape gang scandal that has rocked communities across the UK are deeply concerning.

The lack of formal review into this scandal fails to ensure justice for the victims and punishment for the perpetrators.

Neighbouring Middlesbrough has been named as One of 50 Towns Where Child Exploitation Gangs Have Operated.

There is public desire to see this matter properly investigated with a recent survey suggesting 76% of Britons support an inquiry.

Council believes that:

• We have a duty to protect innocent and vulnerable youngsters from exploitation.

• This is a scandal that should be rooted out entirely and investigated by the full might of the British state.

• This matter transcends party politics and is something we should be united in not only condemning but ensuring a full inquiry is undertaken.

• The safeguarding minister Jess Phillips’ decision to block a public inquiry into the Oldham grooming gangs is inexplicable.

• The full force of the law is used to endure those at the heart of these ‘gangs’ are brought to justice, and a review undertaken into the failings of authorities to protect victims.

Council resolves:

• To request that the Leader of the Council and Chief Executive write separately to the Prime Minister & Home Secretary to outline the Council’s desire for the Government to enact a full public inquiry in to Grooming Gangs.

•That the Leader of the Council engages with local stakeholders and meets with them alongside other Group Leaders to discuss what this Council can do to robustly support and protect young people of this borough most at risk.”

Moved by Cllr Paul Rowling, seconded by Cllr Bob Cook that the motion be amended as follows:

“Council notes that:

Recent reports into the grooming/child rape gang scandal that has rocked communities across the UK are deeply concerning.

Child sexual abuse and violence are the most vile and horrific of crimes.

For decades, young women and girls have been let down by a statewide failure to protect them from abuse and sexual violence.

Perpetrators of these vile crimes must be punished to the full extent of the law, and the victims must be protected and supported.

That a wide-ranging Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IISCSA) was set up under the Inquires Act in 2015, led by Prof Alexis Jay (the ‘Jay inquiry’).

The Jay inquiry took place over 7 years, cost £200million, took evidence from over 6,000 victims of child sexual abuse, and in 2022 made 20 key recommendations.

That the Government has declared that it is determined to act and strengthen the law, with the view that nobody should ever be victim to these heinous crimes ever again. It has already began implementing the Jay inquiry recommendations via The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

Since coming into office, the Safeguarding Minister has met with Professor  ...  view the full minutes text for item COU/66/24

Member Question submitted by Cllr Ted Strike for response by the Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety (Cllr Norma Stephenson):-

“Ingleby Barwick Community Partnership held their Tenth market anniversary in September, sadly our Christmas market in December looks like this will be the last one.

Since SBC changed the rules on street trading in March this year which left us with a choice of charging an entrance fee or paying £100 for each market.

Paying the tax would make our market not worthwhile holding from a financial point of view so we chose to put on a charge, and although at our first market we gave out vouchers to the value of the entrance fee, and a committee member donated hundreds of 10 pence pieces to pay a 10p entry fee at our other markets footfall has fallen by between 30/40%.

When I raised this last year I said this would have a negative impact on our market, officers and councillors said it was only £5 per stall, well this is presuming we have 20 stalls, which is not the case and if we were to increase our stall fee I am sure a number would stop attending.

At our Light switch on in November we only have a coffee van and a stall selling hot food but we had to pay £100. Surely this is not what was envisaged when the changes were made, negatively affecting community events.

If the rules are not changed then our market will no longer be held.

Will the council

1.         Exempt Community events from this Street Trading Temporary Event Tax

if not

2.         Change the current rules to allow a small number of stalls to attend events free of charge, i.e. 2, 3,4 or 5. At least this way small events such as Christmas Light switch ons would be exempt?”

The Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety responded with:-

“The whole Borough Street Trading regime was implemented on 1 March 2024, after a period of extensive consultation, of which Cllr Strike was included, as all members were. 

During the consultation period changes were made to the procedural guidance on community events, and charity events on religious or school grounds, themes which were concerns raised during the consultation period.

Community events are exempt from the Street Trading regime if there is no commercial gain from trading and all profits made are put back into the purpose of the registered charity / association.

Although Ingleby Barwick Community Partnership markets are organised by a registered charity / association, the profits made from this trading in the Borough are not put back into the registered charity / association, the traders are commercial traders.

The first street trading consent was issued in 04/05/24, there is a commitment to review the operational procedural guidance which sets out how this regime will be manged within 12-18 months of operation (by August 2025), this will include a public consultation and consultation with the General Licensing Committee. This  ...  view the full minutes text for item COU/67/24

The Leader of the Council gave his Forward Plan and Leaders Statement.

“Our last full Council meeting took place on the 20 November last year. Since then, Cabinet has met twice, on the 12 December and the 16 January, where we considered the following matters:

•           An update on the Medium-Term Financial Plan.

•           The Inclusive Growth Strategy.

•           The Strategic Asset Management Plan.

•           Two major procurements, the General Network Refresh and the Finance ERP System.

•           The Sycamores Housing Development.

•           The Learning & Skills Service Governing Body Annual Report.

•           An update on Regeneration: Powering Our Future.

•           The Levelling Up Fund project for Preston Park Museum & Grounds enhancements.

•           The outcomes of the Additionally Resourced Provision Consultation in mainstream schools.

•           A review of the Statement of Principles for Gambling Premises in Stockton-on-Tees.

•           An Event Summary and the 2025 Memorial Lighting Calendar.

Our next Cabinet meetings are scheduled for the 10 and 13 of February. On the 10, we will consider the budget proposals and the Medium-Term Financial Plan, leading to recommendations being brought to Council. On the 13, we are set to discuss:

•           The Health and Wellbeing Strategy

•           The Annual ISAG Report.

•           A report on Sexual Health Procurement.

•           A report on the Procedure for Admission of Pupils to primary and secondary schools in September 2026.

•           A report on School Performance for 2023–2024, specifically focusing on vulnerable pupils

On a lighter note, it was great to see Boro get a win yesterday after a tough patch. Let’s hope this marks a turning point for the season.

On a more solemn note, next Monday, the 27 January, is Holocaust Memorial Day, marking the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945. We will commemorate this with purple memorial lighting, a powerful reminder of the need to remember and reflect on the lessons of history.

Finally, I look forward to seeing you all here again at our next meeting on the 19 February for budget setting.”