Council Plan 2023 to 2026

Our Borough

The Borough of Stockton-on-Tees has something for everyone. It's no wonder our population is growing, business is booming, and you tell us you're happy to be here. Here are some things you might like to know about our Borough.

A place people are proud to live

200,000 people call the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees home. They live in our thriving towns - Billingham, Ingleby Barwick, Norton, Stockton, Thornaby and Yarm - and our rural villages. Our population is increasing, with a 2.8% rise over the last seven years, and we're committed to serving this growing community, supported by a thriving and active voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. We're delighted to know people are proud of living here.

Going places and getting further

Business is booming in the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees, where 5,500 businesses generate £4 billion for the local economy. We account for a third of the Tees Valley economy overall and our towns provide work for people from across the Borough. Our excellent road and rail connections with London and key northern cities make the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees a great place to do business. Whilst Teesside International Airport, on the Borough's boundary, provides international connections for our globally ambitious businesses.

Alive with events, leisure and culture

There's always something to do in the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees. Whether that is enjoying our beautiful parks, the river and open spaces, or visiting our distinctive towns. We will continue to promote a year-round festival and events programme, to ensure we can all enjoy the wide range of activities, events and facilities that put our Borough on the map. Our Plan will maintain the Borough's reputation as
a thriving and vibrant place to be.

Fighting inequality

Inequality is a challenge in the Borough. We have affluent areas alongside areas of deprivation. Nine of our 26 wards are in the 10% most deprived wards in the country and there is a gap of 21 years in average life expectancy amongst men between the most and least deprived wards. We're committed to fighting this discrepancy and making sure more people enjoy a healthy and happy life here.

The climate change challenge

The effects of climate change are becoming ever more apparent. We know that we all need to radically change our transport, homes, industry, diet and lifestyle. The Council is working with a sense of urgency to develop plans in partnership with businesses and other agencies to drive down carbon emissions and reduce consumption of energy and raw materials. You can read more in the Environmental Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Strategy. Everyone in the Borough can make a difference.

You can read more in the Environmental Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Strategy (PDF) [1MB] .