The Middlesbrough Council meeting on 10 September 2025 included updates from the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) and the Elected Mayor, consideration of Executive Member reports, a report from the Overview and Scrutiny Board, and a review of the Members' Scheme of Allowances. Councillors also approved a refresh of the council's constitution.

Members' Scheme of Allowances

The council approved changes to the Members' Scheme of Allowances, which outlines the financial compensation provided to councillors for their work. The Council considered the Council - Item 15 - Report, which detailed the proposed changes.

Refresh of the Constitution

The council approved a refresh of its constitution. The council considered the 20250910 Council - Item 17 - Report, which detailed the proposed changes. The constitution sets out how the council operates, how decisions are made, and the procedures that are followed to ensure efficiency, transparency, and accountability. It is a key document in ensuring good governance.

The Constitution and Member Development Committee considered the refresh of the constitution at its August 2025 meeting.

Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) Update

The council received an update on the activities of the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA). The TVCA is a partnership of five local authorities in the Tees Valley region of North East England: Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Redcar and Cleveland, Hartlepool and Darlington. It focuses on driving economic growth and job creation in the area.

Mayor's Statement and Report

Chris Cooke - Elected Mayor provided a statement and report to the council, updating members on his activities and priorities.

Executive Member Reports

The council received reports from several Executive Members, covering a range of portfolio responsibilities:

• Councillor Luke Henman, Executive Member for Children's Services, provided an update on children's services.
• Councillor Philippa Storey, Deputy Mayor and Executive Member for Education and Culture, presented a report on education and culture.
• Councillor Julia Rostron, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, reported on adult social care matters.

Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Board

The council considered the 20250910 Scrutiny Progress Report from the Overview and Scrutiny Board, which monitors the performance of council services and makes recommendations for improvement.

Notice of Motions

The council considered several notices of motions submitted by councillors. These motions covered a range of local issues and priorities. The motions are detailed in the Notice of Motions 175 176 177 and 178 document.

Freedom of the Borough

The minutes of the previous council meeting on 16 July 2025 record that the council resolved unanimously to admit Mr. Norman Moorsom as a recipient of the Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Middlesbrough, in recognition and appreciation of his eminent service to the borough.

The minutes record that:

Mr Moorsom then took the Oath of Freeman before the Chair of Council and signed the Freeman's Roll of Honour, his signature being witnessed by the Chair, Chief Executive and Director of Legal and Governance Services.

The Chair presented to Mr Moorsom a copy of the resolution of the Council and offered congratulations to him on behalf of the Council and the people of the Borough.