The Middlesbrough Council meeting on 9 September 2026 saw councillors pass a motion calling for government action on estate management companies and a motion condemning the use of AI in political discourse. The council also approved the commencement of the preparation of a new Tees Valley Joint Minerals and Waste Local Plan and approved a schedule of suggested amendments to the council's constitution.

Regulation of Estate Management Companies

The council passed a motion calling on the government to implement stronger regulations for private estate management companies. The motion highlighted concerns raised by homeowners regarding unclear and rising fees, poor maintenance, and disproportionate enforcement actions. Councillors expressed that while the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 contained measures to strengthen homeowners' rights, these protections had not yet been fully implemented. The council resolved to write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, and Middlesbrough's MPs, setting out these concerns and enclosing a copy of the motion. Additionally, the council will explore how its planning policies and negotiations with developers can reduce the reliance on private estate management arrangements in future developments.

Maintaining Respectful Online Discourse in Politics

A motion was passed to condemn the use of AI-generated imagery that seeks to degrade, intimidate, harass, or misrepresent individuals. The council noted the increasing use of artificial intelligence to create false images and the national concerns surrounding AI-generated imagery depicting women and girls in inappropriate ways. Councillors expressed belief that political disagreement should focus on policies and ideas, not personal attacks, and that women and girls are disproportionately affected by online abuse. The council reaffirmed its commitment to respectful political discourse and encouraged all participants in political debate to engage responsibly.

Tees Valley Joint Minerals and Waste Local Plan

The council approved the commencement of the preparation of a new Tees Valley Joint Minerals and Waste Local Plan, to be undertaken in partnership with neighbouring Tees Valley authorities. This new plan will establish a statutory framework for managing mineral extraction, safeguarding mineral resources, waste management infrastructure, recycling facilities, landfill restoration, and associated development across the Tees Valley. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Housing, in consultation with the Executive Member for Development, to negotiate terms, prepare notices, publish timetables, undertake scoping consultations, and produce necessary documentation to progress the plan to Gateway 1. This aligns with the requirements of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023.

Constitution Updates

The council approved a schedule of suggested amendments to the council's constitution, including an extension of the quorum time for council meetings from five to fifteen minutes. It also noted amendments made by the Monitoring Officer under delegated authority, such as updating definitions of Chief Officer to include Deputy Chief Officer and revising email addresses for submitting public questions. The updated Terms of Reference for the Teesside Pension Fund Committee were also approved, reflecting changes in the Local Government Pension Scheme governance landscape.

Vacancies on Committees and Outside Bodies

The council approved appointments to various vacant positions on committees, scrutiny panels, and outside bodies. These appointments were made to fill vacancies that remained unfilled since the Annual Council Meeting or arose due to resignations. The allocated places were made in accordance with the wishes of the political groups and other councillors. Notable appointments included two vacancies on the Teesside Pension Fund Committee, two vacancies on the Tees Valley Combined Authority Economy and Investment Committee, filled by Mayor Cooke and Councillor Furness, and one vacancy on the Staying Put Advisory Committee.

Extraordinary Council Meeting Resolution

The council approved the convening of an Extraordinary meeting of the Council to consider granting the Freedom of the Borough to Mr Donald Cave. This honour is proposed in recognition of Mr Cave's 45 years of voluntary service to the people of Middlesbrough, particularly through his work as a boxing coach, providing a positive outlet and disciplined environment for young people. The date of the Extraordinary meeting will be determined with the approval of the Chair of Council.

Mayor's Report and Executive Member Updates

The Mayor, Chris Cooke, provided an update on various council activities, including progress on town-wide youth provision, plans for the transformation of Middlesbrough town centre, and the opening of the Employment and Skills Hub. Executive Members also presented updates on their respective portfolios. Councillor Philippa Storey, Deputy Mayor and Executive Member for Education and Culture, highlighted achievements in culture and education, including the Middlesbrough Mela, the BBC Proms at Middlesbrough Town Hall, and improvements in school readiness and Key Stage 2 outcomes. Councillor Julia Rostron, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, reported on the success of the Adult Social Care Academy and the recruitment of a Principal Occupational Therapist. Councillor Luke Henman, Executive Member for Children's Services, discussed the outcomes of an ILACS inspection, noting areas of progress and areas requiring improvement. Councillor Theo Furness, Executive Member for Development, presented updates on the Place Strategy and Investment Prospectus, outlining ambitious plans for the town's future. Councillor Peter Gavigan, Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability, detailed progress on highways and infrastructure projects, including road resurfacing and bridge repairs. Councillor Nicky Walker, Executive Member for Finance, provided an update on the budget timetable and the council's financial position, highlighting pressures in Children's Social Care. Councillor Ian Blades, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, reported on activities across the four neighbourhood areas, including crime and anti-social behaviour initiatives and library services. Councillor Jan Ryles, Executive Member for Public Health, updated on programmes related to creating healthy environments, health protection, and ill health prevention.

Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Board

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board (OSB) presented a report detailing the progress of the OSB and its scrutiny panels. Since the last council meeting, the OSB had considered reports on Out of Area Specialist Provision, Violence Against Women and Girls, and reviewed financial and performance information. The Children's Scrutiny Panel agreed to focus its work programme on tackling child poverty in schools and monitoring the improvement plan following the Ofsted inspection. The Place Scrutiny Panel agreed to review the Selective Landlord Licensing Scheme, fly-tipping, and future plans for transforming the town centre. The Tees Valley Joint Health Scrutiny Committee, now administered by Middlesbrough Council, received updates on neonatal care and adult eating disorder services.

Questions from Members of the Public

A question was submitted regarding tap water safety, microplastics, and the use of River Tees water, with the Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability stating that water treatment is the responsibility of Northumbrian Water and that any data centre proposals would be subject to planning approval where water management would be considered.