Agenda item

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?”

 

The Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care responded with:

 

 

Question 4

 

The following question was submitted by Councillor Nathan Gale:

 

“Can the cabinet member update the council on the ongoing review into car parking in Stockton and Yarm?”

 

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources and Transport responded with:

 

“Thank you for your question.

 

One of the strengths of our Borough is the unique towns that make it up. As an administration, we are committed to ensuring that every penny of taxpayers’ money is spent wisely, whilst doing all that we can play our part in promoting and supporting local businesses. This is why we have invested in our town centres in recent years and continue to do so.

 

Stockton High Street and Yarm High Street both have a proud history and continue to provide a unique offer today. In Yarm there are many unique small shops alongside many great food and beverage outlets. In Stockton you can find outstanding micropubs, several fantastic entertainment venues and businesses that offer a range of goods and services. As we approach the opening of the Riverside Urban Park, this nationally recognised trailblazing scheme will offer something new.

 

Many visitors of Yarm and Stockton travel there by car therefore it is vital that we provide a competitive car parking offer. As Members will be aware, car parking in Yarm and Stockton was reviewed last year as part of the Council’s transformation programme. A series of reviews needed to deal with 14 years of cuts by the previous Conservative government that resulted in a loss of over £1 billion of funding in real terms.

 

Parking charges were changed in Stockton and Yarm to £1.50 for 3 hours, a competitive price when compared to other High Streets and equivalent locations. At the time of the decision, the then Cabinet agreed that the decision would be reviewed within 12 months. Earlier this year, following the instruction of the Leader of the Council, Cabinet brought this forward and agreed to a wide-ranging review of the impact.

 

A widely publicised public consultation was carried out over the summer and winter. In total we received 5,169 responses. Of the respondents, 18% visited just Stockton, 29% just Yarm and 51% both. The responses to the consultation came from both users of the high streets, and the businesses that trade there. The Leader and I have met with a range of stakeholders including visitors, business owners, leisure groups, residents and local ward councillors in both wards impacted.

 

In addition to the public consultation, other information has been collected including footfall, dwell time and ticket sales. All of which has been included in the review. The information collected is currently under discussion and we are working towards recommendations. As things stand, we are on track to bring a report to Cabinet next month.

 

Can I also take the opportunity to remind all Members and the public that a free one-hour parking period has been reintroduced for the Christmas period beginning next week until the end of January giving support to businesses in Stockton and Yarm throughout the busiest trading period of the year.”

 

Councillor Nathan Gale asked the following supplementary question:

 

“Thank you for the update on car parking charges, however, this is just one piece of the puzzle. Can the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member confirm that the Council will continue to invest in our Town Centres?”

 

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources and Transport responded with:

 

“We are committed to investing in our Town Centres and have created a dedicated budget to achieve this.”

 

Question 5

 

The following question was submitted by Councillor Eileen Johnson:

 

“Recently I read a post from the management of the Hampton by Hilton Hotel in Stockton that they have just had their busiest September since opening with over a 90% occupancy rate. Does the cabinet member agree with me that the hotel is a fantastic asset for the town, and one that keeps going from strength to strength?”

 

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing responded with:

 

Question 6

 

The following question was submitted by Councillor Ann McCoy:

 

“Could the Cabinet Member please provide an update on the progress being made in Stockton Town Centre, particularly in relation to the transformation programme, recent community safety initiatives, and the positive feedback received from residents, businesses and partners?”

 

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

 

“Thank you for your question.

 

I am pleased to provide an update on the progress being made to ensure Stockton Town Centre is a safe and welcoming place both to visit and to do business.

 

The regeneration of Stockton Town Centre remains a key priority for the Council. Significant progress has been achieved under the Powering Our Future transformation programme, which is focused on creating a vibrant, welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors. Recent work has included improvements to public spaces, enhanced accessibility, and preparations for the delivery of the new Urban Park, scheduled to open in Spring 2026. This project will provide a high-quality, inclusive space that supports community activity and economic growth.

 

Alongside the opening of the urban park, we recognise that the key to the success of this development will be ensuring those visiting and using the space feel safe. Our Community Safety Team along with our partners already undertake a significant amount of work in this area, as is the case across all of our communities. A key development has been Operation Shield (Op. Shield)—a multi-agency initiative designed to co-ordinate town centre safety in Stockton-on-Tees. Over the first six months of Op. Shield, we have achieved a reduction in reported crime and anti-social behaviour along with a 18% reduction in shop theft, contributing to a safer and more welcoming environment for visitors and local businesses.

 

Under Op. Shield, the ‘Reducing the Strength’ scheme was also launched to tackle alcohol-related harm and anti-social behaviour. This voluntary initiative asks retailers to stop selling high-strength beers, lagers, and ciders (above 6.5% ABV). To date, nine premises initially signed up, including major retailers such as Iceland, B&M Stores, Heron Foods, and local convenience stores, with additional businesses joining since launch. This strong level of participation demonstrates the commitment of local businesses to improving public safety.

 

While most businesses have embraced the scheme, we have taken robust enforcement action against those failing to align with licensing principles of public safety, ensuring compliance and protecting our residents.

 

Our Civic Enforcement Service continues to work closely with partners through a harm-reduction model, balancing enforcement with support for individuals facing complex needs, including substance misuse. This integrated approach is supported by outreach services and multi-agency collaboration.

 

So far feedback from residents and local businesses has been encouraging although we recognise that there is always more to do. Community engagement sessions and social listening indicate strong support for measures that improve safety and enhance the town centre experience. Initiatives such as CCTV deployment, improved cleansing, and community-led events have been well received, helping to build confidence and create a more welcoming environment. Partners have also expressed their commitment to working with us to deliver these improvements and ensure the town centre remains a thriving hub for all.

 

We will continue to work closely with stakeholders to deliver on our shared vision for Stockton Town Centre to be a safe, inclusive, and vibrant space that reflects the needs and aspirations of our communities.

 

We are currently reviewing the PSPO’s for Stockton Town Centre and Norton. We are currently briefing partners on the proposals and will be briefing all Members in the near future.”

 

Question 7

 

The following question was submitted by Councillor Ted Strike:

 

“At the last council meeting a motion regarding the Shambles was passed unanimously asking the cabinet to consider future investment in the building, including refurbishment of the toilets. I appreciate that this motion will come back to cabinet in due course Could the Cabinet Member confirm that the motion will be taken into account at the appropriate point, and offer an indication, if possible of when cabinet will consider the Shambles so that the Council's resolution is not overlooked?”

 

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing responded with:

 

“I can confirm that this motion is currently being considered. The Council’s recently approved Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) sets the strategic direction for the management of the Council’s land and property assets which includes both future maintenance and investment. I’m sure members will agree with me that the Shambles is a key part of the Town Centre offer and therefore needs to be considered alongside other assets. This Council has a long history of supporting local independent businesses in the Town Centre including through the funding Cabinet recently made available to provide smaller retail units and the on-going support for Fountains Shopping Mall featuring the Enterprise Arcade. In that context, future investment in the Shambles building, including the provision of the toilets, will be considered in due course by Cabinet alongside other appropriate measures.”

 

Councillor Ted Strike asked the following supplementary question:

 

“The businesses in the Shambles received a bombshell letter a month ago. Since then the situation has changed dramatically. Have the Council informed them that their businesses are now safe?

 

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing responded with:

 

“Both the Leader and Deputy Leader phoned each business individually. Further dialogue and support will continue to be offered.”

 

Question 8

 

Councillor Jim Taylor had submitted a question but as he was absent from the meeting, under the Constitution, the question would be referred to the next Council meeting.

 

Question 9

 

Councillor Tony Riordan had submitted a question but as he was absent from the meeting, under the Constitution, the question would be referred to the next Council meeting.

 

Question 10

 

The following question was submitted by Councillor Shakeel Hussain:

 

“Between September 2024 and June 2025 almost 40,00 prisoners have been released early from their sentences under the present governments scheme. Further, in the year to March 2025, 262 prisoners have been released by mistake.

 

Can the Cabinet Member inform me how many of those prisoners, who were convicted of sex related offences, are now living in the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees?”

 

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

 

“Thank you for your question.

 

In England and Wales, the management of sexual offenders released into the community is governed by Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). These arrangements were established under the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and involve a statutory partnership between the Police, Probation Service and the Prison Service.  Whilst the Local Authority has a duty to co-operate with our partner agencies, we do not have access to the information requested.”

 

Councillor Shakeel Hussain asked the following supplementary question:

 

“Do we have measures in place to ensure that prisoners are not housed next door to vulnerable residents.”

 

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

 

“That is the responsibility of the Probation Service. We do not have access to that information.”

 

Question 11

 

The following question was submitted by Councillor Niall Innes:

 

“Does the Leader agree that it is the residents and Council Taxpayers of Stockton who are the true judge of this Councils performance?”

 

The Leader of the Council responded with:

 

“Thank you for the question.

 

I absolutely agree that the residents and council taxpayers of Stockton are the ultimate judges of how well the Council performs. Their experience of our services, and the outcomes we deliver for the borough, are what matter most.

 

In forming that judgement, it is important that residents have access to a full and balanced picture. Commentary on social media or in political debate can sometimes give only a partial view. Independent assessment therefore plays a huge role in helping the public understand how their Council is actually performing.

 

External validation can come in different forms. Sometimes it is through national or professional awards, where the Council, its services or its staff are shortlisted or recognised for good practice. On other occasions it is through formal accreditation or inspection by regulatory bodies – for example, the Care Quality Commission independently assessing the quality of our adult social care practice.

 

Whether it is award recognition or regulatory endorsement, these are not promotional exercises. They provide objective evidence about the standard of work the Council is delivering, and they help residents form an informed view of performance.

 

Where staff or services are nominated for awards, we do support their attendance. The costs are modest, but the benefits are significant: recognising the contribution of our workforce, supporting recruitment and retention in a very challenging labour market, and showing that the work undertaken on behalf of residents meets high professional standards.

 

Ultimately, independent validation complements – but does not replace – the views of residents, who are and remain the most important judges of this Council’s performance.”

 

Councillor Niall Innes asked the following supplementary question:

 

“The cost of attending award ceremonies of £7,000 is not a modest amount. We see from the award ceremonies that officers on the ground are barely recognised. How can you justify attending?

 

The Leader of the Council responded with:

 

“Attendance is worth every penny. The feedback that I receive from our valued staff about attendance at awards is incredible. I hope that I demonstrate my appreciation every day but this is a special opportunity for them and, as Leader, I act on behalf of all Members in representing them. As mentioned before, the benefits are considerable and I would hope that if you ever lead this Council, you would give them the same courtesy of the same praise and commitment that I have. Many of our staff and their families are also our residents.

 

We have significantly reduced the costs of attending these events by getting our proud partners from across the Borough to sponsor tables. We have even travelled on a very early train and come back on a very late train to reduce costs – a very long but rewarding day.”