Independent review: Teesworks Joint Venture
Documents relating to the independent review that is considering the specific allegations made and Tees Valley Combined Authority's oversight of the South Tees Development Corporation and Teesworks Joint Venture.
On 25 May 2023 the government commissioned an independent review to consider the specific allegations made and Tees Valley Combined Authority’s oversight of the South Tees Development Corporation and Teesworks Joint Venture.
On 29 January 2024 the then Minister for Housing, Planning and Building Safety, Lee Rowley MP announced in an oral statement that the report from the independent review panel, chaired by Angie Ridgwell, had been published.
On 28 February 2024 the mayor’s initial response to the review was received and it was published on 7 March 2024.
In September 2024, the mayor submitted an update on progress to the Deputy Prime Minister. On 3 April 2025, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government issued the Tees Valley Combined Authority with a Best Value Notice setting out government’s concerns regarding the authority and requesting the authority takes further actions to improve and engage with the department.
Also on 3 April 2025, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published Mayoral Development Corporations in combined authorities and combined county authorities: Guidance on legislation and scrutiny to address a recommendation directed by the independent review towards government.
On 15 October 2026 in a written ministerial statement, the Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth, Jim McMahon OBE MP, announced that ministers have appointed a Lead Inspector to undertake a Best Value Inspection of Tees Valley Combined Authority’s compliance with the Best Value Duty under section 10 of the Local Government Act 1999.