Agenda and minutes

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

Councillor Shakeel Hussain declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 6 as Chair of Eid Fusion Committee and withdrew from the meeting for that item, taking no part in the discussion and voting.

Councillor Ted Strike declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 6 as Chairman and Founder of Ingleby Barwick Community Partnership and withdrew from the meeting for that item taking no part in the discussion and voting.

Councillors Michelle Benedelow, Clare Besford, Marc Besford, Ann McCoy and Mick Stoker declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 6 as Members of Billingham Town Council and withdrew from the meeting for that item taking no part in the discussion and voting.

Councillor Richard Eglington declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 6 as a Member of Thornaby Town Council and withdrew from the meeting for that item taking no part in the discussion or voting.

Councillors Sylvia Walmsley, Ray Godwin, Ian Dalgarno and Mick Moore declared a non-prejudicial interest in item 6 as Members of Thornaby Town Council.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 24 September 2025.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 24 September 2025.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 24 September 2025 be confirmed and signed by the Worshipful the Mayor as a correct record.

Question 1

Question 2

A Public Question had been submitted by Alan Snead. However, Mr Snead was not present at the meeting therefore it was advised that a written reply would be sent to him.

Question 3

The following question was submitted by John McDermottroe:

“What due diligence, if any was carried out before purchasing Debenhams on the high street? Was a survey carried out? Was an appraisal of refurb costs done? Was a GDV sought from a suitable professional? Is this building to become yet another money pit for the Tax payers of the Borough of Stockton?”

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing responded with:

“The High Street portion of the former Debenhams store (150-152 High Street) was made available for acquisition through auction in 2023, with a limited information pack on the building issued by the seller at the time.  Whilst the building was acquired outside of an auction process, the timescales involved in securing the building and approach taken by the seller meant that there wasn’t opportunity to undertake any surveys of the building prior to acquisition, beyond the information offered by the seller at the time.  The power, intruder alarm and fire alarm controls for the entire building are located in the front half of the former Debenhams meaning that control of the front portion of the building was critical for any occupation and indeed safe access to the rear portion.  

Since acquisition the Council has undertaken measured surveys of the entire building, Mechanical and Electrical Surveys and an Asbestos Survey.

Cabinet have agreed funds to develop long term options for the future use of Debenhams which will explore the potential for Debenhams to once again play an important role in the high street. Ideas are being developed that will realise the potential for Debenhams to play a crucial role at the heart of the health pathfinder and Pride in Place trailblazer which will breathe new life into Stockton Town Centre. When these proposals have been fully developed, they will be considered by the Council.”

John McDermottroe asked the following supplementary question:

“Given that rules of property investment have not been carried out, will the Council take advice from professionals in the future?”

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing responded with:

“Due diligence was carried out as far as we could.”

Consideration was given to a petition calling for exemptions from the requirement to apply for a street trading consent.

It was moved by Councillor Norma Stephenson, seconded by Councillor Naill Innes and

RESOLVED

That the petition be referred to General Licensing Committee for further consideration.

Consideration was given to a report asking the Council to approve the appointments to Committees which remained with the Conservative Group’s entitlement following the resignation of a Council member. The report also highlighted a vacancy on Place Select Committee. The Ingleby Barwick Independents Society were entitled to the seat but would not be taking up their entitlement at the present time.

RESOLVED

1)    That Council confirms the following appointments to vacancies as nominated by the Conservative Group:

·         Executive Scrutiny Committee – Councillor Hugo Stratton

·         Audit and Governance Committee – Councillor Niall Innes

·         Members’ Advisory Panel – Councillor Niall Innes

2)    That Councillor Ted Strike be appointed to the vacancy on Place Select Committee.

Consideration was given to a report asking Council to make a permanent designation to the statutory officer responsible for the proper administration of the authority’s financial affairs.

RESOLVED that Council:

1)    Note that interim arrangements were approved by Council on 21 May 2025, designating Clare Harper as Acting Section 151 Officer.

2)    Approve the permanent designation of Clare Harper as the officer responsible for the proper administration of the Council’s financial affairs in accordance with Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972.

3)    Confirm that the post shall be styled Chief Finance Officer and that the role shall continue to report directly to the Chief Executive, with access to the Leader, Cabinet Member for Finance, the Chair of Audit and Governance Committee and the Monitoring Officer.

4)    Authorise the Chief Executive to make any consequential amendments to the Council’s officer structure, constitution and published organisational charts to reflect this appointment.

Consideration was given to a report recommending the adoption of the Anti-Racism Charter and inviting the Mayor, Leader and Chief Executive to sign the Charter on behalf of the Council, together with the Lead of the Employee Race Equality Network and Trade Union representatives signing on behalf of employees.

An addendum to the report was circulated to Members with an additional recommendation from Cabinet proposing that all Members complete Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training at least once every two years, or more frequently if required under the Council’s mandatory training policy for Members.

RESOLVED that Council:

1)    Adopt the Anti-Racism Charter (attached at Appendix 1 to the report) as a statement of the Council’s corporate commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

2)    Authorise the Mayor, Leader of the Council and Chief Executive to sign the Charter on behalf of the Council at the meeting of Full Council, alongside the Lead of the Employee Race Equality Network and Trade Union representatives signing on behalf of employees.

3)    Note that implementation of the Charter will be overseen through the officer led Colleagues Powering Our Futures Board, with progress reported to Cabinet after twelve months.

4)    Ensure that all Members of the Council complete Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) training at least once every two years, or more frequently if required under the Council’s mandatory training policy for Members.

Consideration was given to a report seeking Council approval to reaffirm its collective commitment to the Stockton-on-Tees Corporate Parenting Pledge – “Our Promise to You”. The Pledge outlined the promises made by the Council to children in our care and to care leavers, reflecting the Council’s shared responsibilities as corporate parents.

The Leader joined the Mayor in the signing of the Pledge and all Members would be invited to sign the Pledge following the meeting.

RESOLVED

That Council re-endorses the Stockton-on-Tees Corporate Parenting Pledge (Our Promise to You) and confirms its ongoing collective commitment to the promises made to children in our care and to care leavers.

It was moved by Councillor Ted Strike and seconded by Councillor Niall Innes:

“Council notes that the former Debenhams building was acquired at auction as part of the town-centre regeneration programme, and that essential mechanical, electrical, and asbestos-related works have been identified following structural surveys.

Council further notes that the total cost of refurbishment will depend on the nature of future occupiers and intended uses for the building. Cabinet has authorised from the allocation of £6.5 million from the Powering Our Future regeneration fund approval to create an enabling budget to develop options and engage the market in opportunities to bring the former Debenhams building back into occupation.

In addition, whilst Council notes that decisions regarding expenditure and redevelopment of the building fall within the remit of executive functions given the building’s prominence and the scale of potential investment, Council believes that Members and residents should be provided with clear, timely information about the financial implications and associated risks as these proposals progress.

Council recalls the experience of the Globe Theatre project, where costs escalated significantly over time, and emphasises the importance of applying lessons learned, particularly around cost control, transparency, and governance to the Debenhams scheme.

Council also notes that the relevant Place Select Committee will be undertaking a review of Capital Programme Governance. Council believes this review presents a valuable opportunity for constructive challenge, assurance, and learning in relation to the management of major capital projects.

Council therefore resolves to request that Cabinet:

1)    Give full consideration to the findings and recommendations of the Place Select Committee’s review before making any final decisions on significant capital investment in the former Debenhams building;

2)    Provide a formal public update to Full Council outlining emerging options, indicative costs, and associated risks once feasibility work has progressed;

3)    Ensure that Members’ views expressed in Full Council are actively considered in the development and delivery of the project, and that progress updates are brought back to Full Council at key milestones, enabling further debate and scrutiny by elected Members;

4)    Recognise that Full Council sets the Council’s overall budget, and that understanding how that budget is being deployed, particularly in relation to major regeneration schemes, is a vital part of democratic oversight and accountability.

Council further resolves to request that:

5)     The Place Select Committee be invited to undertake a focused review of the financial implications and governance arrangements for the Debenhams project and report its findings to Cabinet and Full Council to inform future decision-making.”

On being put to the vote, the motion was not passed.

Question 1

The following question was submitted by Councillor Carol Clark:

“Does the Leader agree with me that the several national awards the council has been nominated for this year is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff?”

The Leader of the Council responded with:

“Thank you for your question Cllr Clark.

Whether it is national award recognition, our Stars Awards or our Annual Council Awards, we need to celebrate our staff achievements. Our staff are our greatest asset. They do an excellent job and their commitment, passion and dedication to our residents cannot go unnoticed.

This year we were lucky to be shortlisted for three national awards as Council of the Year. This gave us national recognition and an opportunity to thank our staff. We have then had individual members shortlisted and where our staff or services are nominated for awards, we do support their attendance.

The costs are modest but the benefits are significant both in recognising the contribution of the workforce and also supporting recruitment and retention in a very challenging market.

Ultimately it is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our appreciation and pride in our staff.”

Councillor Carol Clark asked the following supplementary question:

“Does the Leader agree that with the considerable workload and pressures on our staff, the awards provide an opportunity for us to show our staff how valued they are?”

The Leader of the Council responded with:

“It is important to show our appreciation and thanks to staff as often as we can. This week I have spent time with staff individually and every time that I am in the office, I go out of my way to walk through the different neighbourhoods to ensure that our staff see me on a regular basis. We need to show our appreciation for what they do every day in these difficult and challenging times.”

Question 2

The following question was submitted by Councillor Barbara Inman:

“Can the Cabinet Member update the Council on the regeneration scheme in Yarm following the announcement that it will be paused for further consultation?”

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing responded with:

Question 3

The following question was submitted by Councillor Marc Besford:

“Following the publication of the CQC Report rating this council’s adult services as ‘Good’, will the cabinet member join me in commending the hard work of all our staff which has been recognised in the report?”  ...  view the full minutes text for item COU/66/25

“Colleagues, thank you for attending Council tonight.

Our next Cabinet meeting is on 11 December, where the central item will be the Medium Term Financial Plan. Like councils across the country, we are awaiting the Government’s settlement and further detail on the fair funding formula. We welcome the continued move towards a fairer and more transparent approach, but we are also realistic: it will not remove every pressure. We will still need to cut our cloth according to our means, manage costs responsibly, and protect the services our residents value most.

Those pressures are particularly acute in children’s services and SEND, where demand continues to rise and where councils nationally are facing unprecedented challenges. We will continue to make the case for the resources our young people need and deserve.

At the same time, there is important good news. The CQC has assessed our adult services as Good overall — a significant achievement under a demanding inspection framework. It reflects the dedication and professionalism of our officers, our partners, and the Members who support and scrutinise this work. It is something the Borough can be proud of.

It is also good, on evenings like this, that we come together to reaffirm our collective commitment to our young people. The signing of the Corporate Parenting Pledge is a clear demonstration of that commitment — especially to those young people to whom we owe a particular duty as their corporate parent.

I also want to update Members on the work to live-stream our meetings. Full Council has already resolved to support live-streaming, Cabinet has endorsed that direction of travel, and we have now referred the proposals to the cross-party Members Advisory Panel. MAP will work through the remaining implementation details, particularly how we ensure compliance with the legal duties we hold — including the requirement to make our meetings accessible to all. I look forward to seeing this in place in the near future.

I am also looking forward to attending and presenting an award at the North East Culture Awards next week. This fabulous event showcases the infrastructure and diversity of our proud region. The awards are presented in partnership with the TVCA and I am delighted that these prestigious awards are being held in the equally prestigious Globe Theatre in Stockton which will showcase our fabulous venue to people from across the North East.

Finally, Stockton Sparkles begins on 27 November from 5pm, with the Christmas lights switch-on at around 6.30pm. I hope many of you will be able to experience the wonderful events we have on offer, as we begin the festive season together.”