The Place Scrutiny Panel of Middlesbrough Council met on Monday 14 September 2026 to discuss plans for Middlesbrough's Bicentenary celebrations in 2030 and to introduce a new scrutiny topic regarding the Selective Landlord Licensing Scheme. The panel was also scheduled to receive an update on the council's marketing and communications efforts.

Middlesbrough's Bicentenary 2030

The panel was scheduled to consider and agree the terms of reference for a scrutiny review of Middlesbrough's Bicentenary celebrations, which are planned for 2030. The suggested terms of reference included establishing current plans, identifying good practice from other local authorities, and exploring ways for residents to be involved and for the celebrations to boost regeneration and highlight local heritage.

Further evidence was to be presented by the Head of Marketing and Communications, outlining current marketing and communications activity aimed at promoting Middlesbrough and its town centre. This included campaigns showcasing local events, businesses, and developments, as well as strategies for challenging negative perceptions and promoting positive messages. The presentation was also intended to highlight how marketing and communications support regeneration objectives, such as encouraging footfall and attracting investment, and to consider how lessons learned could shape future promotional activity for the Bicentenary.

Additionally, the Chair was scheduled to provide a verbal update on a recent visit to Barnsley and discussions with representatives from Barnsley Civic. This update was to form part of the evidence gathering for the Bicentenary review, with the panel expected to determine what further information was required.

Introduction to the Selective Landlord Licensing Scheme

The panel was scheduled to receive an overview of the Selective Landlord Licensing Scheme and the wider context of the Private Rented Sector (PRS) in Middlesbrough. The Head of Public Protection and the Selective Landlord Licensing Manager were expected to provide information on the size and profile of the PRS, key challenges in the local housing market, and how Middlesbrough compares to other local authorities regarding PRS issues and housing standards.

The presentation was also to cover the legislative framework for the scheme, designated licensing areas, the number of properties and landlords affected, and the responsibilities of licence holders. An update on the scheme's performance, including progress against objectives, inspection activity, compliance levels, and common issues identified, was also planned. The council's approach to enforcement within the PRS, including relevant policies, activity, trends, and frequently identified breaches, was to be discussed. Furthermore, the panel was to explore the range of powers and interventions available to the council, such as HMO licensing and environmental enforcement, and the implications of emerging legislation like the Renters' Rights Act. The session was intended to prompt discussion on future plans and emerging challenges, including lessons learned from the North Ormesby scheme and resource considerations.

The recommendation was for the panel to agree a formal title for this review, note the information presented, and discuss the future scope and focus of the investigation, including what further information would be required.

Marketing and Communications Update

A presentation was scheduled to provide an overview of current marketing and communications activity undertaken by Middlesbrough Council. This included campaigns showcasing local events, businesses, and positive developments, as well as the communication channels and social media approaches used to engage residents and other audiences. The presentation was also intended to address work being undertaken to challenge negative perceptions and promote positive messages about the town. The Head of Marketing and Communications was expected to explain how this activity supports wider regeneration objectives, such as encouraging footfall, attracting visitors, and promoting Middlesbrough as a place to live, work, and invest. The importance of partnership working with businesses, cultural organisations, and community groups was also to be highlighted. The presentation aimed to allow the panel to consider what current activity indicates about effective approaches to resident engagement and place promotion, including any available evidence of impact, and to explore key challenges and lessons learned.

The panel was to consider how these findings could help shape communications, engagement, and promotional activity for Middlesbrough's Bicentenary celebrations. The presentation was to cover the team's background and role, tactics and channels used, links to wider strategy, a town centre case study, perceptions and the City of Culture bid, and future plans looking ahead to 2030. Specific attention was to be given to the shift towards platforms like TikTok to engage younger audiences and influence perceptions of the town centre.