The Executive of Middlesbrough Council met on Wednesday 8 July 2026, approving a strategy to tackle deprivation and inequality across the town, and endorsing a policy for wholly and partly owned council companies. The meeting also saw the approval of new data protection and direct marketing policies, and the approval of the budget development approach and timetable for developing the 2027/28 budget and Medium Term Financial Plan.

Making Middlesbrough Thrive

The Executive approved a strategy to embed the consideration of deprivation evidence within Directorate Service Plans for 2026/27. This initiative, titled Making Middlesbrough Thrive, aims to ensure that council activities explicitly address the Indices of Multiple Deprivation¹ and contribute to reducing inequality. Directors will identify specific commitments within their plans that demonstrate how their work will help tackle deprivation in Middlesbrough. These commitments will be consolidated into a single report for the Executive, outlining the council's collective approach. Furthermore, a process will be established to engage key partners, including those involved in the Town Strategy, to align their contributions to addressing identified inequalities. The Executive also noted that a separate report on the Council's formal response to the Overview and Scrutiny Board's Short Review on Poverty would be presented in September 2026.

Wholly and Partly Owned Council Companies Policy

The Executive approved the Wholly and Partly Owned Council Companies (WPOCC) Policy 2026-29 and its supporting Minimum Standard. This policy establishes the framework for how the council will develop, operate, and review companies that it wholly or partly owns. The policy aims to ensure that such companies are established with robust business cases, adhere to good governance principles, and provide assurance to the council that value for money is being achieved.

Data Protection Policy and Direct Marketing and Cookies Policy

Two key information governance policies were approved by the Executive: the Data Protection Policy and the Direct Marketing and Cookies Policy. These policies ensure Middlesbrough Council meets its legal obligations under data protection and privacy legislation, including the UK GDPR², Data Protection Act 2018, Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)³, and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. Authority was also delegated to the Council's Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) to approve future revisions to these policies.

Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) update and 2027/28 Budget Development approach and Timetable

The Executive approved the budget development approach and timetable for creating the 2027/28 Budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) up to 2030/31. This structured approach is necessary for the Council to meet its legal obligations in setting a balanced budget and MTFP. The Executive also noted the update on the Council's current MTFP, which highlighted ongoing financial challenges primarily driven by demand-led pressures and external cost factors, particularly in Adult and Children's Social Care.

Prudential Indicators and Treasury Management Outturn - 2025/26

The Executive noted the Prudential Indicators for 2025/26, which reflect the Council's year-end position regarding capital finance activities and overall indebtedness. It was reported that no prudential or treasury management indicators had been breached during the financial year. The Council maintained an under-borrowed position, utilising internal cash balances to finance some capital assets, which was reported to generate revenue savings and reduce counterparty risk. All borrowing and investment activities were in line with the approved Treasury Management Strategy for the year.

Making Middlesbrough Town Centre Safer for People and Business

The Executive approved the implementation of the Making Middlesbrough Town Centre Safer for People & Business Project, a three-year pilot programme aimed at reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre. This project will be funded by £1.3 million from the Tees Valley Investment Zone (TVIZ)⁴ programme, along with associated match funding. The initiative will enhance enforcement, prevention, and support services through a multi-agency hub at Safe Haven in Middlesbrough Bus Station, additional Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), dedicated Neighbourhood Safety Wardens, and targeted support for repeat offenders and vulnerable individuals. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director for Environment, Communities and Culture to finalise operational arrangements.