Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

1.

Title of Item/Report

Scrutiny Review of Stockton-on-Tees Adult Carers Support Service - Final Report of Adult Social Care and Health Select Committee

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report that presented the outcomes of the Adult Social Care and Health Select Committee’s review of Stockton-on-Tees Adult Carers Support Service.

The Care Act 2014 gave carers the same legal right to assessment and support as the person they care for. The most recent Census 2021 found that there were 5.8 million unpaid carers in the UK, with 1.7 million of these people providing 50 or more hours of care per week (Key facts and figures | Carers UK).

Carers play a substantial and vital role in meeting social care needs, with the cost of replacement care locally for Stockton-on-Tees having previously been estimated to be around £464 million annually. From an early intervention and prevention perspective, addressing the needs of carers enables Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (SBC) to delay or possibly avert the need for complex and costly social care interventions, and by sustaining carers within their caring role, the stability of local adult health and social care services is supported. Identifying and providing support to these individuals was not just mandated by the Care Act 2014, but a sound economic and socially responsible decision (which may also prevent carers themselves needing services in their own right). Providing information, advice and support to carers ensured they promoted their own wellbeing, carer breakdown be prevented, and resilient communities are established.

The local Adult Carers Support Service was brought in-house to SBC in January 2018 and worked with adults who were providing informal care and support for adults across the Borough. Since then, the service had developed significantly, with over 5,000 referrals during this time. As of June 2025, it was working with 3,200 unpaid carers within Stockton-on-Tees, offering ongoing advice, information and support alongside statutory carers assessments, support planning, carers personal budgets, and time-out assistance. SBC were also supporting nearly 2,000 carers with a direct payment, which amounted to a projected spend of £550,000 for this provision in this financial year.

In related matters, the Adult Carers Support Service had also had some initial involvement with the transitions programme as part of the Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (SBC) Powering Our Future (POF) initiative – a new way of operating for the Council which sought to work with partners and communities to put in place new and innovative approaches, allowing SBC to not only save money but also reshape what it does for the better, and in the best interests, of local residents.

Whilst the existing offer was considered to be effective, it was felt that it would be of benefit for the service to be scrutinised to provide assurance around its current delivery. It was hoped that this review would help highlight any gaps in the service and, in turn, help shape future developments for local provision.  ...  view the full decision text for item CAB/99/25

1.

Title of Item/Report

Adult Social Care Strategy 2026-2030

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on the Adult Social Care Strategy 2026-2030.

The current Adult Social Care Strategy ran from 2021-25 and provided the Council and the public with a clear set of priorities.  Having a strong understanding local needs for care and support was a key requirement of the local authority Care Quality Commission (CQC) assurance framework, so having a new set of priorities from 2026 was agreed as essential to support the next phase in the Council’s journey to meet the evolving needs of the local population.

The draft Adult Social Care Strategy 2026-30 was developed in partnership with the MIRB.

The plan was originally developed in late spring 2025 in collaboration with the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) who supported the Council in engaging with citizens and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) groups to understand what they believed the priorities for Adult Social Care should be over the next 4 years.

Working with the MIRB, this information was reviewed and a set of key priorities developed along with an intentionally slimmed down strategy, acknowledging the Adult Social Care Strategy’s place alongside the Stockton on Tees Plan 2024 and Stockton-on-Tees Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030.  The approved draft version was shared with key partners during November / December 2025 to gather their views.  Engagement included VCSE providers (through a direct Catalyst mailshot and discussions with key partners at the Health and Wellbeing Forum), Healthwatch, NHS partners (North Tees Hospital, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Trust) and social care providers.

Based on this feedback, a revised version was developed and shared at Adult Social Care Senior Management Team and Corporate Management Team for agreement.

RESOLVED that the final version of the Strategy be endorsed and the further work that will be progressed to develop accessible formats with support from the Making it Real Board (MIRB) be noted.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

Approval of the new Adult Social Care Strategy 2026-30 to replace the current strategy (2021-25).

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Midnight, 20 March 2026

1.

Title of Item/Report

Levelling Up Fund - Yarm Public Realm

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report that provided a progress update on the Round 1 Levelling Up Fund programme of interventions along with a summary of the public engagement undertaken to inform whether the Council should proceed with the Yarm High Street public realm proposals as presented to the public in May 2025. In response to the majority ‘no’ vote that was received, the report sets out a series of options to inform a decision on next steps for use of the remaining approved budget for Yarm High Street.

The report provided a summary update of all Levelling Up Fund (LUF) interventions before focusing specifically upon the Yarm High Street public realm element of the programme.

The approved LUF programme was developed in response to the publication of LUF Round 1 application in 2021 with the objectives of delivering major proposals in Yarm and Eaglescliffe under the priority themes of Transport, Culture and Town Centre Regeneration.

The bid focussed on delivery of improvements to cultural facilities in, and enhancements to, Preston Park Museum and Grounds (PPMG), redevelopment of Yarm Town Hall and public realm enhancements on Yarm High Street and delivery of cycleway connections in Yarm and Eaglescliffe. 

In March 2023, Cabinet noted that work had been underway to develop a greater level of understanding on the scope, cost and deliverability of the agreed interventions and approved a funding profile to reflect the proposed interventions across Yarm High Street, PPMG and Cycleway infrastructure.

Since then, work had been underway to deliver a range of interventions at PPMG, with completion of the Spence Building in September 2025, a remodelled cafe and new toilets, additional parking and improvements to the Aviary and playground. A planning application for the demolition and redevelopment of South Lodge was submitted in January 2026.

Work to create an improved cycle link along Durham Lane to connect key employment sites and surrounding residential areas commenced in January 2026 and were on programme to complete in September 2026. The route would be comprised of segregated cycle routes, shared route, and new crossing facilities between Elton Interchange and Cleasby Way junction, extending to the new western access to Eaglescliffe Station.

The programme of works for Yarm High Street, as set out in the LUF Round 1 bid was focussed on a public realm scheme and the redevelopment of Yarm Town Hall, in partnership with Yarm Town Council, to bring the building back into use as visitor attraction and to replace the public toilets that were displaced because of the works. The redevelopment of Yarm Town Hall was completed in September 2023 and new public toilets, located at Yarm Library opened in November 2022.

To help shape the public realm element of the High Street intervention and to gain insights into understand local priorities and opportunities, two periods of public consultation were  ...  view the full decision text for item CAB/101/25

1.

Title of Item/Report

Accelerating affordable housing delivery (‘A quality home for all’) - update

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on accelerating affordable housing delivery (‘A quality home for all’).

A previous report presented to Cabinet on the 12 June 2025 outlined that the Council, like most local authorities continued to experience an increased demand for affordable housing (both sale and rent).  This increase, set against a background of limited supply, was placing growing pressure on the Councils ability to prevent homelessness and support vulnerable adults and care leavers access independent accommodation.

To respond to these challenges, Cabinet agreed to adopt a ‘Hybrid Delivery Model’ to increase affordable housing supply whereby each potential development site (as it comes forward) was assessed against 3 delivery routes - Enabling, Direct Delivery or a Partnership Structure and approved ‘in principle’ to a small number of housing sites for affordable housing provision.

Following the assessment of the Raleigh Road site against the 3 delivery options, Cabinet was asked to approve the disposal of this site to North Star Housing Group to facilitate the delivery of social rented housing.

RESOLVED that:-

1. The direct award of the disposal of the Raleigh Road site to North Star Housing Group for the development of affordable social housing (as outlined in paragraphs 1 to 7 of the report) be approved.

2. The progress made on the other smaller sites identified in the 12th June 2025 Cabinet report, in relation to bringing each forward for affordable housing provision be noted (as outlined in paragraphs 8 to 10 of the report).

3. Following the conclusion of the competitive procurement exercise for the three smaller vacant sites (as detailed in paragraph 10 of the report) that the decision to proceed with a site disposal of each site to a Registered Provider for the provision of affordable housing, with a housing mix that reflects the Boroughs identified housing needs be delegated to the Director of Regeneration and Inclusive Growth in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

The Stockton-on-Tees Plan and Powering Our Future programme affirm the Councils commitment to driving economic growth to support community prosperity and well-being.  The delivery of good quality, affordable housing in well-connected neighbourhoods that meets the needs of the boroughs residents is integral to this.  

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Midnight, 20 March 2026

1.

Title of Item/Report

Revisions to the Council's Constitution

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on revisions to the Council's Constitution.

RECOMMENDED to Council that:-

1. The wording within the Council's Constitution be 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. 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. The Council’s Constitution be 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).

3.

Reasons for the Decision

To ensure that the Council’s Constitution remains clear, up to date and reflects the Council’s current needs and governance requirements.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Not applicable – Council Decision.

1.

Title of Item/Report

Council Motion - Flying the Union Flag

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report that requested Cabinet review the Council’s Flag Flying Policy following approval of the Council motion to fly the Union Flag on Council premises and consideration by Members’ Advisory Panel.

Members’ Advisory Panel acknowledged the significant costs that would be involved with installing external flagpoles in new locations, including the site surveys that would be required even before a final decision was made. The Panel also noted that in several of the potential new locations, flags were already being flown in the vicinity by local Town Councils.

The Panel felt that a better solution to implementing the Council motion would be to fly the Union Flag internally in reception areas at the list of public facing buildings referred to the in the appendix to the report, which included libraries and customer service centres across the Borough.

RESOLVED that the Council’s existing flag flying policy be endorsed with an addendum that the Union Flag be flown internally in reception areas at public facing buildings (including libraries and customer service centres) across the Borough.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

To ensure that the motion, agreed unanimously by Council, is implemented in a manner that is practical, affordable and legally robust, following cross-party engagement through the Members Advisory Panel.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Midnight, 20 March 2026

1.

Title of Item/Report

Council Motion - Livestreaming Meetings

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report that requested Cabinet approve proposals for the livestreaming and recording of meetings following the Council motion to livestream all Council meetings and consideration of implementation details by Members’ Advisory Panel.

RESOLVED that:-

1. The proposals for the livestreaming and recording of meetings, and associated expenditure, set out in report and protocol be approved.

2. Meetings held outside of the Dunedin Council Chamber should not be livestreamed.

3. Officers look into the feasibility of holding Annual Council meetings in the Dunedin Council Chamber and consider bringing a further report to Members.

4. Photographs of past Mayors and Aldermen be displayed digitally on a television screen in the Civic Reception area and that this television to have the ability to display the livestreams of Council meetings as they are taking place.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

To implement the unanimously supported Council motion in a manner that is technically feasible, legally compliant, financially sustainable and consistent with accessibility standards.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Midnight, 20 March 2026

1.

Title of Item/Report

Social Value Annual Report

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report that presented the Social Value Annual Report, detailing the progress achieved in advancing the Council’s Social Value Policy during 2025 and outlining planned developments for 2026/27.

Cabinet approved the Social Value Policy in March 2023, and the annual report at Annex 1 of the report provided an update on the social value delivered during 2025. It included case studies illustrating the range and impact of outcomes achieved, along with statistical information on the associated financial proxy value.

Since last year’s report, the Council’s approach to social value continued to develop, including:

•         The appointment of a dedicated Social Value Officer,

•         A refresh of the Themes Outcomes Measures (TOMs) that are used to measure social value and the associated financial proxy values,

•         Alignment of the refreshed TOMs to the Stockton on Tees Plan,

•         Updates to the Social Value Calculators and dashboards used during the procurement process,

•         Closer work with Catalyst to ensure the VCSE sector benefits from social value commitments,

•         Initial work to explore how social value commitments made in Section 106 Agreements and Development Agreements can be captured and reported, and

•         Networking with various community organisations/ VCSE organisations to understand how social value can help them

•         Working both regionally and sub-regionally to share good practice and approaches to social value.

Work planned for 2026/27 included:

•         Work with Catalyst to develop a unified Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Value Framework to ensure a consistent, strategic approach to allocating social value contributions and CSR-related financial donations from local businesses,

•         Continue to develop processes to monitor and capture social value commitments made through Section 106 Agreements and Development Agreements,

•         Identify other contract opportunities to include social value.

•         Use social value case studies in press releases to demonstrate how suppliers, providers and contractors contribute to the borough through their social value commitments.

The next steps would be as follows:-

- Continue the development of the Council’s approach to Social Value and Corporate Social Responsibility.

- Continue to monitor the financial proxy values of social value.

RESOLVED that:-

1. The Social Value Annual Report (Annex 1 of the report) be noted.

2. The work undertaken during 2025/26 and the planned work in 2026/27 be noted.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

To provide an update of the Council’s approach to Social Value.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Not applicable – Report for noting only.

1.

Title of Item/Report

Annual Procurement Plan/Higher Value Contracts

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on Annual Procurement Plan/Higher Value Contracts.

The report sought approval from Cabinet for the award of planned higher value contracts where the value exceeds the limit on officer delegated authority and which are either funded within the approved MTFP / Capital Programme or were subject to a bid for external funding.

RESOLVED that:-

1. The contracts listed in Annex 1 of the report be approved.

2. Authority be given to the relevant Director or Assistant Director to make the specific contract award decision and any subsequent contract variation, annual inflationary uplifts (where allowed in the contract terms and conditions) and extension decision in accordance with the delegations listed in Annex 1 of the report.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

To enable Cabinet to exercise its strategic oversight of higher value planned procurement projects, in accordance with the constitution.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Midnight, 20 March 2026

1.

Title of Item/Report

Minutes of Various Bodies

2.

Record of the Decision

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution or previous practice the minutes of the meeting of the bodies indicated below were submitted to members for consideration:-

TSAB – 8 October 2025

SSP – 26 November 2025

TVCA Cabinet – 30 January 2026

RESOLVED that the above minutes be received.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

To enable Cabinet to view the minutes of various bodies.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Not applicable – Minutes for receiving only.

1.

Title of Item/Report

Child Poverty (2025 update report)

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on Child Poverty (2025 update report).

Appendix A of the report outlined the progress made by the Council and its partners during 2025 to alleviate child poverty across the Borough.

Following the recent publication of the Government’s national child poverty strategy, ‘Our Children, Our Future: Tackling Child Poverty’ (December 2025) the report also highlighted examples of actions taken by the Council which support this national agenda.

The Stockton-on-Tees Child Poverty Network continued to meet quarterly, bringing together external partners, including Family Action, SDAIS and Moneywise, with Council service leads to discuss the key issues children and families living in poverty were experiencing across our Borough. This was a collaborative group that worked to find solutions to these issues and improve the lives of children and young people.

Appendix A of the report provided details of key achievements; however notable examples included:

•Delivery of the Free School Meals Auto-enrolment project, resulting in almost 400 children being registered and an increase of almost £500,000 in pupil premium.

• Implementation of a year-round offer for residents to obtain free pre-loved uniform from any of the borough’s Family Hubs.

• 10,286 children/young people attended the borough’s Holidays Are Fun Activity Programme (which provides healthy meals, enrichment activities and free childcare places to children from low-income families).

• Targeted work undertaken in North Thornaby as part of the wider Early Intervention and Prevention project.

• Direct support to families at key points in the year – for example, through the Back to School Campaign & the Second Dance Prom Project, helping to ease family financial pressures associated with children returning to school and the costs of prom season.

Next steps would include:-

• Using the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) to deliver rapid, preventative, and targeted support to households, particularly families with children, at risk of financial crisis.

• Targeting eligible families with children to help them access the Warm Homes Discount scheme and signposting them to help maximise their incomes.

• Supporting primary schools with the rollout of free breakfast clubs.

• Promoting the changes to free school meal eligibility to schools, parents/carers and undertake the Council’s third auto-enrolment project.

• Continuing to support young people and families to access free uniform and prom outfits.

• Providing targeted intervention and events to support families most in need.

RESOLVED that the report and actions taken to addressing and alleviating child poverty during 2025 be noted.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

Powering our Futures has a strong commitment outlined within the programme’s design principles of reducing inequality and prioritising prevention whilst working with communities to put them at the heart of what we do, enabling them to thrive and support each other. The driver behind this work is to ensure our most vulnerable residents (our children) are supported to have ‘The best start in life’.  ...  view the full decision text for item CAB/109/25

1.

Title of Item/Report

Procedure for admission of pupils to Primary & Secondary schools in September 2027

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on the procedure for admission of pupils to Primary & Secondary schools in September 2027.

The report outlined the admission arrangements the Local Authority (LA) was proposing, for entry into both primary (Reception) and secondary (Year 7) schools in September 2027.  To comply with legislation for admission in September 2027, the report included the co-ordinated timetable, the Published Admission Number (PAN) for all Primary and Secondary Schools for that year and the LA’s proposed Admission Policy (Oversubscription Policy) for Community maintained and Voluntary Controlled (VC) schools for entry in September 2027. 

RESOLVED that:-

1. The proposed Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme for Primary, Secondary, Voluntary Aided (VA) schools, Academies and Free School (points 4-5 and Appendix 1 of the report) be agreed.

2. The proposed PANs for Primary and Secondary schools for September 2027 (points 6-8 and Appendix 2 of the report) be agreed.

3. The proposed Admission Policy for September 2027 (point 9-11 and Appendix 3 of the report) be agreed.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

The main legislation (Chapter 1 of Part 3 of SSFA 1998) requires the LA to publish information annually and to be available for parents when they apply for a place at primary and secondary schools.  The information must comply with the new School Admissions Code 2021. The LA must, as the admission authority determine, i.e., formally agree its admission arrangements, even if it hasn’t changed from the previous year and a consultation has not been required. These arrangements therefore must be determined by 28 February 2026 for admission to Primary and Secondary schools in September 2027.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Midnight, 20 March 2026

1.

Title of Item/Report

School Performance 2024 – 2025 for Vulnerable Pupils

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on School Performance 2024 – 2025 for Vulnerable Pupils.

The report presented a summary analysis of vulnerable pupil performance in the academic year 2024-2025 for all key stages and all providers in the Borough. It was informed by the latest available data, some of which remained unvalidated and compared to national and regional averages where they existed.  It included performance outcomes for:

1.       Pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium Funding.

2.       Performance by gender.

3.       Performance by ethnicity.

4.       Children and Young People in Our Care.

5.       Children with a Social Worker.

6.       Children with Special Needs.

7.       Children from Service Families.

8.       Attendance and exclusion figures for Stockton.

Strong attainment outcomes for vulnerable pupils were achieved in Stockton-on-Tees despite significant underlying structural inequalities.

In interpreting the performance of vulnerable groups, it was important to acknowledge that the Borough continued to experience some of the most pronounced neighbourhood-level inequalities in the country, which was often masked by Borough-wide averages. These inequalities intersect with the wider system challenges highlighted through work on Early Intervention and Prevention (EIP), which identified an estimated 2,205 adults experiencing Severe and Multiple Disadvantage (SMD) locally each year.

Many of the vulnerabilities seen among children and young people such as suspensions, poor attendance, SEND, social care involvement and unstable housing were understood to be early indicators of future risk, underlining the critical importance of whole-family, place-based and early intervention approaches.

Together with partners, the Council was working to strengthen the collective system response by removing organisational boundaries, improving multiagency data sharing, aligning resources, and building a shared “One Voice” approach around prevention.

This strategic alignment ensured that work to improve educational outcomes was supported by wider efforts to address the root causes of inequality, stabilise families experiencing complex lives, and create the conditions for long-term positive change.

Key Headlines included:-

•         Overall attainment for vulnerable groups shows positive direction of travel, with notable improvements for disadvantaged pupils, girls, non white pupils, and pupils with SEND.

•         Stockton frequently outperforms national benchmarks across multiple groups and all key stages.

•         Gender outcomes are strong, with both boys and girls performing well compared with national figures and holding high regional rankings.

•         Children in Our Care achieve well, especially at EYFS and KS4, supported by strong partnership work from the Virtual School.

•         Children with a Social Worker show improving trends in key areas including suspensions and attendance.

•         SEND outcomes at KS2 and KS4 have strengthened, both for pupils with EHCPs and for those receiving SEN Support.

•         Exclusions practice is increasingly effective, with no permanent exclusions in special schools and several exclusions prevented through early intervention and challenge.

•         Attendance work is having measurable impact, with primary and special school attendance performing better than national/regional levels and secondary attendance improving. However, PRU  ...  view the full decision text for item CAB/111/25

1.

Title of Item/Report

Stockton-on-Tees Best Start in Life Plan 2026-2031

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on the Stockton-on-Tees Best Start in Life Plan 2026-2031.

The report provided an overview of the Stockton-on-Tees Best Start in Life Plan 2026–2031.  The plan set out the Borough’s vision, strategic priorities and commitments for improving outcomes in the earliest years of a child’s life spanning pregnancy to age five.

As part of national policy direction, Stockton-on-Tees had been set ambitious targets by Government for the proportion of children achieving a Good Level of Development (GLD) by the end of reception. By the 2027/28 academic year, at least 78.5% of children were expected to achieve a GLD, with a specific target of 63.1% for children eligible for Free School Meals (FSM). For context, in 2024/25, 69.6% of children in Stockton-on-Tees achieved a GLD, compared with 53.8% of children eligible for FSM. The Best Start in Life plan aimed to align and mobilise collective resources to support progress toward these targets, which would serve as core metrics for monitoring performance and assessing impact over the lifetime of the plan.

The Stockton-on-Tees Best Start plan identified five strategic priorities:

•         Foundations for a Healthy Childhood – supporting healthy routines, nutrition, immunisation, physical activity and home safety.

•         Home Learning and Play – supporting parents to integrate play, talk and learning into daily life.

•         Speech, Language and Communication – promoting early communication skills and streamlining pathways for additional support.

•         High Quality Early Years Education – ensuring access to high quality provision, inclusive practice and sufficient childcare places.

•         Emotional Health and Wellbeing – supporting secure parent child relationships, early identification of needs and access to appropriate programmes.

To support delivery, each priority had a named lead and a multi-agency working group responsible for driving actions forward and ensuring progress was monitored effectively. The development of the Best Start Family Hub a requirement of DfE Best Start funding was a central component in delivering the plan and had its own multi agency working group.

SBC Communications Team were leading on the design and formatting of the plan, which had been produced in accordance with the Council’s policy and standards for the publication of strategies.

As part of the terms of the Best Start Grant, the plan must be published on the SBC website by 31st March 2026 in line with DfE requirements, and this included adherence to the national ‘Best Start’ branding.

An annual delivery plan would outline how partners across the local system would implement the priorities set out in this strategy, including the key milestones, actions and performance measures required to monitor progress and impact. The delivery plan would be overseen and coordinated by the Best Start Strategic Group with regular reporting to the Families First Partnership Board and Health and Wellbeing Board.

RESOLVED that the Stockton-on-Tees Best Start in Life Plan 2026 – 2031 be  ...  view the full decision text for item CAB/112/25

1.

Title of Item/Report

Local Authority School Governor Appointment

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on Local Authority School Governor Appointment.

There was a vacancy to be filled for a Local Authority governor at Bowesfield Primary School.

Cllr Sufi Mubeen was considered for the position.

Criteria:

•         Knowledge of the local community

•         Commitment to Education.

RESOLVED that Cllr Sufi Mubeen be appointed Local Authority governor for Bowesfield Primary School.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

To appoint a Local Authority School Governor.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Midnight, 20 March 2026

1.

Title of Item/Report

Environmental Sustainability & Carbon Reduction Strategy (ES&CRS) 2022-32 Annual Monitoring Report

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on the Environmental Sustainability & Carbon Reduction Strategy (ES&CRS) 2022-32 Annual Monitoring Report.

Climate change poses a real threat to society and biodiversity. There were already increasing impacts of flooding, high winds, heat waves, significant wildfires and species collapse.  To limit climate change there needed to be a reduction in carbon emissions building on the work already achieved.

Local authorities were increasingly expected to play a central role in responding to climate change but were often constrained by severe resource limitations. Given current financial pressures, the Council simply not able to take on the full breadth of climate?related responsibilities that national policy sometimes assumes.

However, the reality was that significant and potentially dangerous changes in weather patterns were already locked in due to existing global emissions. These impacts more frequent extreme heat, flooding, coastal surges, and storm events would continue to intensify over the coming years.

As a local authority, the Council had a statutory and moral duty to protect residents, safeguard essential services, and maintain the conditions for local economic activity. This meant that, irrespective of the capacity to act on mitigation measures, the Council would inevitably be required to strengthen the resilience of the local infrastructure.

Therefore, the focus in the coming years must shift toward:

•         Prioritising climate adaptation and resilience, recognising that these measures will be essential to keep people safe and services functioning.

•         Investing in the robustness of critical systems—transport, energy, water, digital connectivity—even where funding is limited, by embedding resilience into every decision, project, and procurement opportunity.

•         Advocating for the necessary resources, so that local authorities are properly equipped to meet the challenges that are already unfolding.

Climate change was no longer a distant threat it was a present and escalating risk. The primary responsibility was to ensure communities could withstand the impacts that were already inevitable.

Stockton Council’s Environmental Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Strategy (ES&CRS), adopted in 2022 set out the direction needed and described the actions that would contribute to the achievement of net zero.

The Council had made significant progress within the resources available, achieving a steady decline in carbon emissions over a long period. However, substantial additional investment would be required in the coming years if the Council would remain on target for Net Zero by 2032.

Continued concentration on measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions from assets and fleet, were an urgent priority, alongside investing in solar energy generation and counterbalancing natural solutions.

RESOLVED that the annual monitoring report be noted.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

This report is to update Cabinet upon the actions following the adoption of the Environmental Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Strategy 2022-32.

Cabinet is also invited to study the data which indicates the reduction of greenhouse gasses over a sustained  ...  view the full decision text for item CAB/114/25

1.

Title of Item/Report

Making New Public Space Protection Orders for Stockton Town Centre and Norton Town Centre (2026-2029)

2.

Record of the Decision

Prior to consideration of the item Cabinet agreed the following:-

RESOLVED that:-

1. To exclude the press and public from the meeting pursuant to section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 during the consideration of Pack 3 and the Exempt Appendix to the report on Making New Public Space Protection Orders for Stockton Town Centre and Norton Town Centre 2026-2029 due to the likelihood that if members of the public were present during that item there would be disclosure to them of exempt information and

2. The information is exempt information because it is

a.       information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual 

b.       information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including  the authority holding that information) or

c.        information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings under Paragraphs 2, 3 and 5 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the LGA 1972 and

3. The public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Consideration was given to a report on making new Public Space Protection Orders for Stockton Town Centre and Norton Town Centre (2026-2029).

In Spring 2025, the Community Safety Select Committee published Scrutiny Review of Welcoming and Safe Town Centres, stating that as Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council redevelops its town centres, safe and welcoming spaces remain essential. The introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in 2023 for selected zones in Stockton and Norton was highlighted as a key step towards these goals. The Committee recommended evaluating the 2023 Orders, including their principles, implementation, and resourcing.

PSPOs help prevent anti-social behaviour (ASB) in public areas and were widely used across England and Wales. The existing Public Spaces Protection Order for both Stockton Town Centre and Norton Town Centre would expire at midnight on 2 April 2026.

The report sought Cabinet approval to make new PSPOs for these areas for the period 2026–2029. In determining whether to make new Orders, Cabinet must be satisfied that the statutory conditions in section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 were met on the evidence presented. The making of a PSPO was a fresh statutory decision and there was no presumption of continuation when an Order expires.

In Stockton, proposed restrictions included failure to comply with a requirement not to consume alcohol or to surrender alcohol (commonly referred to as street drinking controls), begging, anti-social loitering, anti-social driving / vehicle use, public urination/defecation, dogs off-lead, and dog fouling. Requirements also mandate moving temporary structures, providing personal details to officers if breaching the Order or causing ASB, and leaving the area when directed. Norton’s proposed conditions included street drinking controls, begging, ASB loitering, and anti-social vehicle use, with similar  ...  view the full decision text for item CAB/116/25