The Executive of Middlesbrough Council met on Wednesday 7 October 2026, approving strategies for financial wellbeing and active travel, and a new delivery model for substance use services. Key decisions included the adoption of the Financial Wellbeing and Resilience Strategy, the approval of the Green Lane Active Travel Corridor scheme, and the approval of a new delivery model for substance use services across South Tees.

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

The Executive noted the final report from the Adult Social Care & Health Scrutiny Panel on tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and approved an accompanying Action Plan. The report highlighted that Middlesbrough experiences disproportionately high levels of VAWG compared to regional and national averages. The approved Action Plan aims to strengthen prevention, early intervention, organisational leadership, and cultural change, including progressing towards White Ribbon Accreditation. Councillor Julia Rostron, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, presented the Service Action Plan, and it was noted that mandatory online training on VAWG would be rolled out to all Council employees and elected Members.

Out of Area Specialist Provision

The Executive noted the final report from the Children's Scrutiny Panel concerning Out of Area Specialist Provision and approved the accompanying Action Plan. The report examined the use of out-of-area placements for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those with complex needs in children's social care. The Panel concluded that while some out-of-area placements are necessary, Middlesbrough Council has made positive efforts to reduce reliance on them by developing local capacity and inclusive practice. The approved Action Plan will address recommendations for regular updates on children's residential placements, the revised SEND and Inclusion Strategy, a structured Workforce Development Programme for Children's Social Care, and an update on Regional Care Co-operative pilots. Councillor Luke Henman, Executive Member for Children's Services, and Councillor Philippa Storey, Executive Member for Education and Culture, welcomed the report.

Understanding Homelessness in Middlesbrough

The Executive noted the findings of the Middlesbrough Homelessness Needs Assessment 2026-2031. This comprehensive report identified rising homelessness demand, a principal system constraint in affordable move-on housing, increasing use of temporary accommodation, pressure on supported housing pathways, and a strong link between homelessness and multiple disadvantage. The findings will strategically inform the forthcoming Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy and the Rough Sleeper Partnership Plan. Councillor Julia Rostron, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, commented on the importance of the Council working with partners to achieve its aims in this area.

Green Lane Active Travel Corridor

The Executive approved the Green Lane Active Travel Corridor scheme, which aims to improve walking and cycling provision. The scheme, funded by Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), will introduce segregated cycleways, enhanced footways, and signalised crossing points. The report highlighted that the proposals would improve sustainable transport choices, road safety, and accessibility to key destinations, supporting the Council's Green Strategy and Road Safety Agenda. Councillor Peter Gavigan, Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability, presented the report. Concerns were raised by Councillor Luke Henman, Executive Member for Children's Services, regarding the potential impact on emergency vehicle response times and the need for improved bus services. The Mayor suggested that the Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability engage with TVCA to improve future consultation processes.

2027/28 Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Update

The Executive noted the update on the Council's Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP), which forecasts a provisional budget gap of £7.594 million for 2027/28, rising to £12.133 million by 2030/31. Councillor Nicky Walker, Executive Member for Finance, presented the report, outlining that the gap would be addressed through efficiency savings, income generation, the use of Flexible Use of Capital Receipts, examination of council tax levels, and further financial controls. The Mayor, Chris Cooke, noted the importance of lobbying the government for increased funding and highlighted the need for collaborative working to address current problems.

Financial Wellbeing and Resilience Strategy

The Executive approved the Financial Wellbeing and Resilience Strategy, which replaces the previous Welfare Strategy. This new strategy provides a coordinated framework for improving residents' financial wellbeing, reducing hardship, and building long-term resilience across Middlesbrough. It aligns with the Council Plan and the Mayor's vision of Making Middlesbrough Thrive. Delegated authority was also approved for the Section 151 Officer to make amendments to the strategy, subject to consultation with the Executive Member for Finance. Councillor Nicky Walker, Executive Member for Finance, presented the report, emphasizing the strategy's preventative approach and its role in tackling inequality and deprivation.

Substance Use Services - Delivery Model

The Executive approved Option 1 for the future commissioning and delivery model for substance use services across South Tees from April 2027. This involves the development of shared South Tees leadership, governance, clinical, specialist, and support functions, aligned with Middlesbrough's existing Recovery Solutions service and a mirrored, in-house Redcar & Cleveland Recovery Solutions care coordination service. Middlesbrough Council will lead the procurement process for a new South Tees Recovery Service. Councillor Jan Ryles, Executive Member for Public Health, presented the report, highlighting that this approach would remove duplication, improve pathways, and strengthen outcomes. The Mayor noted that the financial impact of the model should be communicated to Members via a briefing once fully known.

The Executive of Middlesbrough Council met on Wednesday 7 October 2026, approving a new strategy for financial wellbeing and resilience, a scheme to improve active travel routes, and a new delivery model for substance use services across South Tees. The meeting also noted an update on the Council's Medium Term Financial Plan, which forecasts a significant budget gap.

Financial Wellbeing and Resilience Strategy

The Executive approved the Financial Wellbeing and Resilience Strategy, which will replace the existing Welfare Strategy. This new strategy aims to provide a coordinated approach to improving residents' financial wellbeing, reducing hardship, and building long-term resilience. It aligns with the Council Plan and the Mayor's vision of Making Middlesbrough Thrive by promoting financial independence, early intervention, and prevention. Councillor Nicky Walker, Executive Member for Finance, presented the report, highlighting the strategy's focus on tackling deprivation and inequality. Delegated authority was also granted to the Section 151 Officer to approve amendments to the strategy, following consultation with the Executive Member for Finance.

Green Lane Active Travel Corridor

The Executive approved the Green Lane Active Travel Corridor scheme, which will introduce segregated cycleways and improved pedestrian facilities along Green Lane and surrounding streets. The scheme, funded by Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), aims to enhance sustainable transport choices, improve road safety, and increase accessibility to key destinations. Councillor Peter Gavigan, Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability, presented the report, noting that the proposals would support the Council's Green Strategy and Road Safety Agenda. Concerns were raised by Councillor Luke Henman, Executive Member for Children's Services, regarding potential impacts on emergency vehicle response times and the need for improved bus services. The Mayor suggested that future consultations on similar schemes should be enhanced.

Substance Use Services - Delivery Model

A new delivery model for Substance Use Services across South Tees was approved by the Executive. This model involves developing shared leadership, governance, clinical, specialist, and support functions, aligned with Middlesbrough's existing Recovery Solutions service and a mirrored, in-house Redcar & Cleveland Recovery Solutions care coordination service. Middlesbrough Council will lead the procurement process for a new South Tees Recovery Service. Councillor Jan Ryles, Executive Member for Public Health, presented the report, emphasizing that this approach would reduce duplication, improve pathways, and strengthen outcomes. The Mayor noted that the financial implications of this model should be communicated to Members via a briefing once fully understood.

2027/28 Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Update

The Executive noted an update on the Council's Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP), which forecasts a provisional budget gap of £7.594 million for 2027/28, rising to £12.133 million by 2030/31. Councillor Nicky Walker, Executive Member for Finance, explained that this gap would be addressed through efficiency savings, income generation, the use of Flexible Use of Capital Receipts, examination of council tax levels, and further financial controls. The report highlighted that the aim is to avoid cuts to front-line services while maintaining financial resilience. The Mayor mentioned ongoing lobbying efforts to the government for increased funding for Middlesbrough Council.

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

The Executive noted the final report from the Adult Social Care & Health Scrutiny Panel on tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and approved the accompanying Action Plan. The report highlighted Middlesbrough's high rates of VAWG and the need for a whole-system response. The approved Action Plan includes measures to strengthen prevention, early intervention, organisational leadership, and cultural change, with a commitment to progressing White Ribbon Accreditation. Councillor Julia Rostron, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, presented the Service Action Plan.

Out of Area Specialist Provision

The Executive noted the final report from the Children's Scrutiny Panel regarding Out of Area Specialist Provision and approved the associated Action Plan. The report examined the use of out-of-area placements for children with SEND and complex social care needs, concluding that while some are necessary, efforts to increase local capacity and inclusive practice are positive. The Action Plan addresses recommendations for regular updates on residential placements, the revised SEND and Inclusion Strategy, workforce development, Regional Care Co-operatives, and foster carer recruitment. Councillor Luke Henman, Executive Member for Children's Services, and Councillor Philippa Storey, Executive Member for Education and Culture, welcomed the report.

Understanding Homelessness in Middlesbrough

The Executive noted the findings of the Middlesbrough Homelessness Needs Assessment 2026-2031. This report detailed rising homelessness demand, a shortage of affordable housing, increasing temporary accommodation use, and the link between homelessness and multiple disadvantage. The findings will inform the forthcoming Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy and Rough Sleeper Partnership Plan. Councillor Julia Rostron, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, commented on the importance of partner collaboration in addressing homelessness.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and minutes from the previous meeting.