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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'Very good news': Politicians' react to £1bn Tees Valley transport pot annunced today
Politicians from across the Tees Valley have welcomed the Government's announcement to commit £1bn of funding to transport infrastructure projects across the region. However, priorities on what the money should be used for are varied, with Redcar's MP calling on the Tees Valley Mayor to bring buses into public control - something he has sworn off doing several times. Some £978m was previously allocated to Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) under the last Conservative government as CRSTS2 funding, following the cancellation of part of HS2. When Labour came into power they put the allocation - along with allocations to other combined authorities - under review, arguing that Tory announcements weren't backed up by cash. In a written ministerial statement in summer 2024, then-Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said there was a 'gap between promised schemes and the money available to deliver them' amounting to about £2.9bn which had been made clear to her by officials. Prior to this, in January 2024, TVCA Cabinet approved 26 projects aimed at improving road, rail and bus travel across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool, utilising the £978m transport package. Since that money was put under review nearly a year ago, concerns were raised about the pot of funding potentially being reduced or even cut completely. Now that the full amount of funding has been confirmed, TVCA has said it means that work can accelerate on schemes such as a new station at Teesside Park. Had only part of the money been confirmed, then TVCA Cabinet would have needed to convene to agree which of the 26 projects would be prioritised, but this will not be necessary following confirmation of full and complete funding. Councillor Steve Harker, Leader of Darlington Council and TVCA cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said: 'This is very good news for the Tees Valley and shows the new Government's commitment to making a real difference to our transport network. "We've a wide range of projects planned for our road and rail network – and there is also plenty lined up to improve infrastructure for buses and those who get around by bike. 'This commitment will help us make our plans a reality and I'm looking forward to seeing more progress now being made on the ground.' As previously reported, Tees Valley Conservative Mayor Ben Houchen welcomed the news, saying: 'This is the right move. We've been tirelessly making the case for this money, announced by the previous government, to come to us. "I'm pleased our message has hit home – and it means we can get on and deliver on our list of absolutely vital transport projects – agreed by cabinet – to secure growth and jobs for people across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.' Anna Turley, Labour MP for Redcar said: 'Some governments make big promises and write cheques they cannot cash. But it's a Labour government that actually delivers. This £1bn investment is real money going into our region's transport, and it's long overdue.' She called on Mayor Houchen to bring buses back into public control, saying: 'There are no more excuses. People in TS6 and across our area need better, cheaper, more reliable transport – not just to get to work or school, but to see loved ones, attend appointments and access opportunity.' The Redcar MP set out her view of the state of local bus services as a 'disgrace', adding: 'We've got parents in TS6 paying over a thousand pounds a year just to get their kids to school. That's completely unacceptable. It's time for the mayor to get on and deliver the priorities of local people.' Ms Turley added: 'South Bank station has been ignored for years, leaving communities cut off. That has to change and I look forward to seeing it brought back to life. I want this money to benefit our communities in ways residents can actually see and feel – not on fantasy pet projects for the mayor.' Bringing buses into public ownership was not one of the 26 projects and Mayor Houchen has repeatedly argued against doing so. When a motion came to Middlesbrough Council in March, calling for the end of deregulation of buses in the Tees Valley, the regional mayor called it a 'vague, unworkable idea'. Even though the motion gained cross party support at the local council level and passed with a large majority, the Tees Valley Mayor dismissed the plan before the vote, as he did not believe it would have a positive impact for people across the five councils that make up the combined authority. The mayor said: 'Franchising buses would mean years of costly bureaucracy, handing hundreds of millions to companies like Arriva and Stagecoach, and a significant tax increase on local people – something I've promised never to do.' As for other projects part of the £1bn plan, Middlesbrough and Thornaby East Labour MP Andy McDonald was particularly excited about the potential for Middlesbrough railway station. Mr McDonald said: 'Our ambition beyond today's announcement is for a re-imagined frontage at the north entrance opening out into Middlehaven. The delivery of the third platform makes that possible. 'Last month I met with the various partners involved in making this happen at the station and just today I met with rail minister Lord Peter Hendy to discuss Middlesbrough station and other rail issues. 'I retain the ambition to deliver the very best for Middlesbrough's station and will continue battling away to make sure we achieve it and get what Middlesbrough and Thornaby East deserves, including electrification upgrades across the network.' Luke Myer, Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland said: 'This is fantastic news and long overdue – this money will be transformative for the people of our region. "Every week, I'm hearing from people who are desperate for transport improvements – from more reliable public transport to proper road maintenance. Transport improvements have been promised for years – finally we have the cash to deliver. 'Now the Tees Valley Mayor has the money and the powers – he must get on with delivering these projects, whether it be bus expansion for our communities in East Cleveland, a new third platform at Middlesbrough, or improved infrastructure across Teesside.' Meanwhile, Stockton North Labour MP Chris McDonald said: 'This £1 billion investment is a once-in-a-generation chance to transform transport across the Tees Valley. "From restoring the iconic Transporter Bridge to fixing our broken bus services, every penny must go toward improving lives in communities like Stockton, Billingham and Norton. Recommended reading Tees Valley Combined Authority gets £1bn to improve transport links across region New Metro line to go ahead as Government promises £1.8bn North East cash boost North East bus, Metro, and rail stations set for £14m upgrades 'I've been clear - our area deserves transport that works. With this funding, we can deliver reliable bus routes, better rail services in Billingham, and breathe new life into local landmarks like the Transporter Bridge. This is about connecting people to jobs, education and opportunity – building a future we can be proud of.' A joint statement from the five leaders (all Labour) of local councils within the Tees Valley said: 'We as leaders of the five local authorities which make up the Tees Valley Combined Authority welcome the significant amount of funding from the Labour Government for transport across the Tees Valley. "We are aware of the pressure on our current roads and bridges and this funding should go into making sure they are fit for purpose. If spent right will also help to progress the connectivity across the region and give us a transport system which is sustainable and efficient.'
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Applications open for £15k job working 36 days a year
Applications are now open for three jobs involved in the regeneration of Teesside. The roles have opened up after Conservative Mayor Ben Houchen confirmed he would step down from the three positions at the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) cabinet annual general meeting on June 27. The TVCA said the three roles would require a commitment of three days a month for a salary of £15,120 per year, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported. Houchen currently chairs the South Tees, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool development corporations tasked with regenerating the area including the former Redcar Steelworks, now known as Teesworks. He said the roles needed "driven individuals" who were "visionary" to forge strong partnerships across the public and private sectors. Appointments are made by Houchen for a period of up to four years. The mayor agreed to step aside from the roles after advice from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on 3 April the same day that the TVCA was hit with a Best Value Notice. The advice explains that the role of the mayor of a combined authority is to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), make appointments to the MDC Board and provide oversight. In this context, MDC is not to be confused with the Middlesbrough Development Corporation. The government is clear that legislation does not prevent a mayor from being chair of an MDC, however, "their oversight role is not compatible with them also taking the role of chair. "The oversight function should be clearly separate from decision making to avoid conflicts of interest." MDC is advancing projects such as the £200m regeneration of a site in Gresham. In Hartlepool, the development corporation is playing a role in the planned improvements to the town's film and TV production studios. Houchen said: "We're looking for visionary, driven individuals who can lead our development corporations at this exciting time and help us get the very best for local people." Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Tories may need Reform coalition, says Ben Houchen Ben Houchen says new mayors 'redress power imbalance' We can do better on Teesworks project - Houchen Tees Valley Combined Authority
BBC News
10-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Applications open for £15k Teesside job working 36 days a year
Applications are now open for three jobs involved in the regeneration of Teesside. The roles have opened up after Conservative Mayor Ben Houchen confirmed he would step down from the three positions at the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) cabinet annual general meeting on June 27. The TVCA said the three roles would require a commitment of three days a month for a salary of £15,120 per year, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported. Houchen currently chairs the South Tees, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool development corporations tasked with regenerating the area including the former Redcar Steelworks, now known as Teesworks. He said the roles needed "driven individuals" who were "visionary" to forge strong partnerships across the public and private are made by Houchen for a period of up to four years. The mayor agreed to step aside from the roles after advice from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on 3 April the same day that the TVCA was hit with a Best Value Notice. The advice explains that the role of the mayor of a combined authority is to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), make appointments to the MDC Board and provide oversight. In this context, MDC is not to be confused with the Middlesbrough Development government is clear that legislation does not prevent a mayor from being chair of an MDC, however, "their oversight role is not compatible with them also taking the role of chair. "The oversight function should be clearly separate from decision making to avoid conflicts of interest."MDC is advancing projects such as the £200m regeneration of a site in Hartlepool, the development corporation is playing a role in the planned improvements to the town's film and TV production said: "We're looking for visionary, driven individuals who can lead our development corporations at this exciting time and help us get the very best for local people." Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
11-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen to step down from MDC chair roles
A mayor will stand down from chairing multiple Mayoral Development Corporations (MDCs) in June. Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said he would not be seeking the MDC chair positions when they became available again at the next annual general meeting (AGM) on 27 June. It follows the publication of government advice suggesting mayors in such roles should resign "to avoid conflicts of interests".MDCs come into existence after a regional mayor designates a mayoral development area with the object of securing regeneration there. As of January 2025, there are two MDCs in London, one in Manchester and three in the Tees Valley - the latter all chaired by are the South Tees Development Corporation, the Middlesbrough Development Corporation and the Hartlepool Development government said on 3 April that oversight of MDCs "should be clearly separate from decision making to avoid conflicts of interest".The Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) previously said it would "reflect carefully" on the said: "I am incredibly proud of all we've achieved and will achieve... the boards will be updated at the AGM as per the constitution."The TVCA is currently subject to a Best Value Notice, meaning it must work with the government to make sure public money is being used appropriately. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
09-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
TVCA to 'reflect' on mayoral conflict of interest guidance
A combined authority says it will "reflect carefully" on government advice stating mayors of such organisations should not chair Mayoral Development Corporations (MDCs) to "avoid conflicts of interest".But Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) did not say whether elected Conservative Mayor Ben Houchen would step down from his role chairing three advice was issued on 3 April, the same day the TVCA was hit with a Best Value Notice - meaning it must work with the government to make sure public money is being used appropriately. Houchen declined to comment when approached by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Although the government guidance was issued for all MDCs across the country, it was created to address a recommendation from the Tees Valley Review - an independent investigation into the Teesworks come into existence after a regional mayor designates a mayoral development area with the object of securing regeneration there. Separate roles As of January 2025, there are two MDCs in London, one in Manchester and three in the Tees Valley - the latter all chaired by are the South Tees Development Corporation, the Middlesbrough Development Corporation and the Hartlepool Development government said oversight of MDCs "should be clearly separate from decision making to avoid conflicts of interest."Bearing in mind mayors of combined authorities provide oversight of MDCs, and have powers in relation to the issuing of guidance and direction to an MDC, "the mayor should not be the chair of an MDC," the guidance it was reported that within the Tees Valley Review there was discussion of "perceived conflicts of interest" and this resulted in changes at the top of the South Tees Development Corporation (STDC), however Houchen remained both chair of TVCA and of STDC. When asked in December what his reasoning was for this, he said: "The development corporation is my project, and it gives more political accountability to have the directly elected mayor as the chairman of the public body."A TVCA spokesman said MDCs had cut through bureaucracy to secure investment and added: "We will reflect carefully on the government's updated guidance and work with partners to make any necessary adjustments, while keeping our absolute focus on delivering real outcomes for local people." Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
