13 January 2023

I hope you all enjoyed a happy and healthy Christmas period and new year.

On Monday this week there was the Cabinet pre-agenda ahead of the full meeting on 19 January. There is lots to discuss at Cabinet, including a summary of our events for 2023 and a report on the Stockton Shared Lives Scheme, which supports adults with additional needs including those with a learning disability, mental health problems or other needs that make it harder for them to live on their own. It is an alternative to supported living or residential care.

On Tuesday I had another pre-agenda meeting, this time for the Health and Wellbeing Board later this month.

On Wednesday morning I met with Ged Morton, Director of Corporate Services to discuss how he is settling in after starting with us in November last year.

Thursday was a quiet day for meetings which allowed me to catch up on important paperwork.

Today I am meeting with the Director of Finance, Development & Regeneration Services to discuss the Council's finances ahead of Cabinet next week.

This weekend I'm looking forward to spending some time with my family. Despite losing 5-1 to Brighton in the FA Cup third round, Middlesbrough are performing very well in the Championship. With the loan signing of Cameron Archer, the young talent from Aston Villa who has England international experience, I'm excited to see how we perform at home against Millwall on Saturday and whether Archer can hit the ground running and make a positive impact.