22 September 2023

I started this week with a pre-agenda meeting for the Health and Wellbeing Board, which I Chair and happens next week.

Later in the day I attended our Cabinet meeting, where we discussed our medium-term financial plan, childcare sufficiency in the Borough, and our end of term scrutiny report among other things.

On Tuesday I used and quiet day to catch up on email and important paperwork after being away for the APSE awards last week.

Mid-week it was General Licensing Committee on Wednesday afternoon, followed by our full Council meeting. As well as regular business at the Council meeting, the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees presented Honorary Alderman status to five ex-Councillors who have provided excellent service to their wards during their time as Councillor.

Yesterday myself and Mike Green, our Chief Executive, spoke at an induction morning for our new apprentices. We've recruited just short of 50 apprentices this year in a wide variety of roles across the Council, and it was great to speak to them and answer their questions.

This morning I am attending the Tees Valley Combined Authority meeting at Teesside International Airport, where we will get an update from the Tees Valley Mayor and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

This weekend I will be sending some time with my family. Middlesbrough still chase their evasive first win in the Championship, and sit bottom of the league on goal difference. This weekend they host mid-table Southampton at home, in what I expect to be a crucial match. I won't be attending but I will be keeping a close eye on the result. I think a loss on Saturday could see the end of Michael Carrick's reign at the Riverside.