16 May 2025
I seem to have spent a lot of this week getting in and out of taxis! I've come to realise just how much I rely on my car and driving but all being well I should be back driving in about 2 weeks.
I've had a few taxi journeys this week to Teesside Airport - sadly not to catch a flight but to attend Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) meetings and workshops. TVCA are an important partner and it's important that we give our input and expertise to support their improvement journey and make key decisions. It is also an opportunity for me to catch up with the other Tees Valley Leaders. I also had one of many catch ups with Mike Green whilst there. We have had a lot to discuss this week.
Mid-week I visited the new Council Chambers at Dunedin House, which held its first meeting on Monday. The new chambers are purpose built and will be the venue for future Council, Cabinet and Committee meetings. The purpose of the visit was to look at the seating plan and to receive a briefing on how meetings would run. The Chamber looks really good and I'm looking forward to having meetings in there rather than at the Baptist Tabernacle where we have been meeting whilst the work on the new Chamber was taking place.
This week, I was also invited to a dinner hosted by Arts Council England (ACE). It was a great event, showcasing the work across the Tees Valley and future plans for partnership working. During their visit to the Tees Valley, ACE were keen to meet with partners and hear about the rich and inspiring cultural ecology in the area. I attended the dinner with Reuben Kench, Director of Community Services, Environment and Culture, who kindly gave me a lift to minimise my taxi footprint and Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture. I was lucky to be sitting on a table with some great people who work across the north of England. Much of my evening was spent talking to an inspiring young man who delivers a programme to young people in Manchester, teaching them hip hop and breakdancing. A bit different to my usual conversations but interesting and thought provoking on how some disenfranchised young people can express themselves through dance.
On Thursday I chaired the first Cabinet meeting in the new Council Chamber. We discussed and accepted the recommendations of a scrutiny review of our Holidays Are Fun (HAF) programme, which provides free activities and meals to eligible children during school holidays. We also had an update on the development of Billingham Town Centre and Sports Hub.
Today will be spent catching up on casework and emails and a much needed catch up with a friend for lunch. I have no plans for the weekend and am hoping for some nice weather to sit out in the garden.
