30 August 2024

After a relaxing Bank Holiday Monday, I started this week with a catch up with Mike Greene, Chief Executive of the Council. These regular catch ups ensure that we're both aware of what's happening across all services of the Council and allow us to discuss any pressing issues.

In the afternoon I was privileged to attend the opening of the new Practice Plus Group's NHS 111 service offices in Cavendish House. The new state-of-the-art offices will bring 300 jobs to the area. I'm proud that such a vital public service has chosen to locate here in Stockton-on-Tees, recognising the high-quality space available in the Borough. It's the first health sector business to relocate to Teesdale since we shared ambitious plans to create a Tees Valley Health and Care Innovation Zone last year.

Following the visit, I met with Mike Greene and Lisa Evans, Deputy Leader of the Council. Things on the agenda included an update on regeneration across the Borough and transformation reviews happening across the Council to help us to provide better value services for our residents.

Mid-week I met with Garry Cummings, Director of Finance, Transformation and Performance, to discuss the Council's Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP). The MTFP sets out a pathway of how we manage our finances over the next three years.

I used a quieter diary for the rest of the week to catch up on important paperwork and emails.

This weekend I will be relaxing and spending some time with my family. Middlesbrough have had a rough week, only managing a draw against Portsmouth, and then suffered a crushing 5-0 defeat against Stoke in the Carabao Cup. We travel to Wales to play Cardiff on Saturday with high expectations to bounce back with a win. Three points at this stage of the season would lift us high in the league standings and ease the pressure a little on the team.