@TeesValleyMonitor
@teesvalleymonitor.bsky.social
media site reporting on political issues in the Tees Valley
Farage Attempts to Woo Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen
The Financial Times reports today (Nigel Farage seeks to persuade Tory mayor, Ben Houchen, to defect to Reform, Anna Gross and George Parker) that the Reform leader has held discussions with Ben Houchen ...
The Financial Times reports today (Nigel Farage seeks to persuade Tory mayor, Ben Houchen, to defect to Reform, Anna Gross and George Parker) that the Reform leader has held discussions with Ben Houchen ...
January 21, 2026 at 10:55 AM
Farage Attempts to Woo Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen
The Financial Times reports today (Nigel Farage seeks to persuade Tory mayor, Ben Houchen, to defect to Reform, Anna Gross and George Parker) that the Reform leader has held discussions with Ben Houchen ...
The Financial Times reports today (Nigel Farage seeks to persuade Tory mayor, Ben Houchen, to defect to Reform, Anna Gross and George Parker) that the Reform leader has held discussions with Ben Houchen ...
Ministers Alarmed as BP Set to Build Net Zero Teesside with Chinese-Imported Steel
Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/bp-building-...
Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/bp-building-...
BP Building Net Zero Teesside with Chinese Steel
The BP-led consortium behind Net Zero Teesside has, over the weekend, concluded a deal import steel from China for construction of the Gas Power Plant.
www.teesvalleymonitor.com
January 19, 2026 at 7:56 PM
Ministers Alarmed as BP Set to Build Net Zero Teesside with Chinese-Imported Steel
Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/bp-building-...
Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/bp-building-...
Is Teesside Airport Really Back in Profit?
Airport pre-tax profit is £1.1 mn, but it received £10.1 mn in grants. TVCA awarded £12.5 mn grant in March. Our investigation reveals TVCA is also source of the £10.1 million. Did cabinet sanction this as well?
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/funds-for-te...
Airport pre-tax profit is £1.1 mn, but it received £10.1 mn in grants. TVCA awarded £12.5 mn grant in March. Our investigation reveals TVCA is also source of the £10.1 million. Did cabinet sanction this as well?
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/funds-for-te...
Funds for Teesside Airport Fly Under the Radar
Tees Valley Authority injects millions in funds to Teesside Airport without seeking cabinet approval
www.teesvalleymonitor.com
January 3, 2026 at 3:38 AM
Is Teesside Airport Really Back in Profit?
Airport pre-tax profit is £1.1 mn, but it received £10.1 mn in grants. TVCA awarded £12.5 mn grant in March. Our investigation reveals TVCA is also source of the £10.1 million. Did cabinet sanction this as well?
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/funds-for-te...
Airport pre-tax profit is £1.1 mn, but it received £10.1 mn in grants. TVCA awarded £12.5 mn grant in March. Our investigation reveals TVCA is also source of the £10.1 million. Did cabinet sanction this as well?
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/funds-for-te...
Turmoil at the Tees Valley Combined Authority
TVCA continues to be mired in controversy as the official auditors refuse to sign off its latest set of accounts on the grounds of 'irregularities'. Our report gets down to the detail:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/turmoil-at-t...
TVCA continues to be mired in controversy as the official auditors refuse to sign off its latest set of accounts on the grounds of 'irregularities'. Our report gets down to the detail:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/turmoil-at-t...
Turmoil at the Tees Valley Combined Authority
Tees Valley Authority's auditors have refused to sign off accounts for 2024/25. We discuss the ongoing dysfunction at the authority
www.teesvalleymonitor.com
December 19, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Turmoil at the Tees Valley Combined Authority
TVCA continues to be mired in controversy as the official auditors refuse to sign off its latest set of accounts on the grounds of 'irregularities'. Our report gets down to the detail:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/turmoil-at-t...
TVCA continues to be mired in controversy as the official auditors refuse to sign off its latest set of accounts on the grounds of 'irregularities'. Our report gets down to the detail:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/turmoil-at-t...
Tees Seal Pups vs Defra
In the week the government reveals its Environment Improvement Plan, our investigation into the seal pup mortality in Tees Estuary shows how hard it may be to persuade Defra to take it seriously:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/defra-in-den...
In the week the government reveals its Environment Improvement Plan, our investigation into the seal pup mortality in Tees Estuary shows how hard it may be to persuade Defra to take it seriously:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/defra-in-den...
Defra in Denial over Tees Seal Pup Deaths
100% of seal pups born in the Tees Estuary this year have died. It is claimed to be due to PCB contamination, but Defra refuses to countenance this
www.teesvalleymonitor.com
December 3, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Tees Seal Pups vs Defra
In the week the government reveals its Environment Improvement Plan, our investigation into the seal pup mortality in Tees Estuary shows how hard it may be to persuade Defra to take it seriously:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/defra-in-den...
In the week the government reveals its Environment Improvement Plan, our investigation into the seal pup mortality in Tees Estuary shows how hard it may be to persuade Defra to take it seriously:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/defra-in-den...
Put Out More Flags?
Like it or loathe it, our towns are now adorned with flags. Darlington has hundreds. Who's putting them up? Who is supporting them? Is the council dealing with the anti-social behaviour that has accompanied it?
Our report is here
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/flagging-dar...
Like it or loathe it, our towns are now adorned with flags. Darlington has hundreds. Who's putting them up? Who is supporting them? Is the council dealing with the anti-social behaviour that has accompanied it?
Our report is here
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/flagging-dar...
Flagging Darlington: Far Right in Feeding Frenzy
Flags being installed around town. Does pride or racism underlie it?
www.teesvalleymonitor.com
September 17, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Put Out More Flags?
Like it or loathe it, our towns are now adorned with flags. Darlington has hundreds. Who's putting them up? Who is supporting them? Is the council dealing with the anti-social behaviour that has accompanied it?
Our report is here
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/flagging-dar...
Like it or loathe it, our towns are now adorned with flags. Darlington has hundreds. Who's putting them up? Who is supporting them? Is the council dealing with the anti-social behaviour that has accompanied it?
Our report is here
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/flagging-dar...
Request for Information about Teesside Airport
Tees Valley Monitor received correspondence today containing information about Teesside Airport, but without contact details. We would like to appeal to its author to contact us by email on [email protected], or DM here
Tees Valley Monitor received correspondence today containing information about Teesside Airport, but without contact details. We would like to appeal to its author to contact us by email on [email protected], or DM here
September 9, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Request for Information about Teesside Airport
Tees Valley Monitor received correspondence today containing information about Teesside Airport, but without contact details. We would like to appeal to its author to contact us by email on [email protected], or DM here
Tees Valley Monitor received correspondence today containing information about Teesside Airport, but without contact details. We would like to appeal to its author to contact us by email on [email protected], or DM here
More Toxic Waste Heading for the Tees Valley? Where Will It End Up?
Application for a permit to dump radioactive waste at Port Clarence while toxic waste treated as non hazardous at Hartlepool landfill. Is public adequately protected? Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/toxic-waste-...
Application for a permit to dump radioactive waste at Port Clarence while toxic waste treated as non hazardous at Hartlepool landfill. Is public adequately protected? Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/toxic-waste-...
Toxic Waste in the Tees Valley: A Growing Hazard?
Proposal to dump radio-active waste in the region. Consultation is too narrow in scope. We assess the dangers and discuss failings by Environment Agency.
www.teesvalleymonitor.com
July 31, 2025 at 10:22 AM
More Toxic Waste Heading for the Tees Valley? Where Will It End Up?
Application for a permit to dump radioactive waste at Port Clarence while toxic waste treated as non hazardous at Hartlepool landfill. Is public adequately protected? Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/toxic-waste-...
Application for a permit to dump radioactive waste at Port Clarence while toxic waste treated as non hazardous at Hartlepool landfill. Is public adequately protected? Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/toxic-waste-...
Tees Valley mayor holds first Question Time at Yarm School
Involving some unkind remarks about Private Eye, some reticence about the latest deal that will enrich property developers, and some dubious assertions about NE Security and the Freeport:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/houchen-sees...
Involving some unkind remarks about Private Eye, some reticence about the latest deal that will enrich property developers, and some dubious assertions about NE Security and the Freeport:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/houchen-sees...
Houchen Sees Red During Mayoral Question Time
Tees Valley mayor holds Q&A with the public, but struggles to focus on the issues at hand. He is condescending at times, and makes false statements at others.
www.teesvalleymonitor.com
July 26, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Tees Valley mayor holds first Question Time at Yarm School
Involving some unkind remarks about Private Eye, some reticence about the latest deal that will enrich property developers, and some dubious assertions about NE Security and the Freeport:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/houchen-sees...
Involving some unkind remarks about Private Eye, some reticence about the latest deal that will enrich property developers, and some dubious assertions about NE Security and the Freeport:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/houchen-sees...
No Comment: Deafening Silence from Tees Valley MPs on the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza.
We asked six MPs their opinion of the government's arms trade with Israel. Their unwillingness to respond raises issues about democratic accountability.
Our report:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/no-comment--...
We asked six MPs their opinion of the government's arms trade with Israel. Their unwillingness to respond raises issues about democratic accountability.
Our report:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/no-comment--...
No Comment: Tees Valley MPs and the War in Gaza
Government challenged in High court over arms sales to Israel but MPs in Tees Valley fail to respond to request for comment. Should they be obliged to?
www.teesvalleymonitor.com
July 3, 2025 at 10:41 AM
No Comment: Deafening Silence from Tees Valley MPs on the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza.
We asked six MPs their opinion of the government's arms trade with Israel. Their unwillingness to respond raises issues about democratic accountability.
Our report:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/no-comment--...
We asked six MPs their opinion of the government's arms trade with Israel. Their unwillingness to respond raises issues about democratic accountability.
Our report:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/no-comment--...
Permit Applied for to Allow Dumping of Radioactive Waste at Port Clarence.
Public consultation through Environment Agency is now open. However, contacting local MPs may prove more effective. Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/dumping-of-r...
Public consultation through Environment Agency is now open. However, contacting local MPs may prove more effective. Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/dumping-of-r...
Dumping Radioactive Waste Port Clarence? Have Your Say
consultation on use of Port Clarence Landfill for radioactive waste is open. EA wants only in technical comments. Local MPs may be more interested.
www.teesvalleymonitor.com
June 23, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Permit Applied for to Allow Dumping of Radioactive Waste at Port Clarence.
Public consultation through Environment Agency is now open. However, contacting local MPs may prove more effective. Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/dumping-of-r...
Public consultation through Environment Agency is now open. However, contacting local MPs may prove more effective. Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/dumping-of-r...
Closure of Ensus Bioethanol Plant has implications for public health.
A statement on the prospect of plant closure and a report by the Royal College of Physicians on improving UK air quality in the UK. Our report highlights the connection between the two.
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/public-healt...
A statement on the prospect of plant closure and a report by the Royal College of Physicians on improving UK air quality in the UK. Our report highlights the connection between the two.
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/public-healt...
Health Implications of Closure Ensus Bioethanol Plant
US_UK trade deal undermines UK bioethanol industry. This industry has capacity to improve air quality and public health. Government should support it.
www.teesvalleymonitor.com
June 22, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Closure of Ensus Bioethanol Plant has implications for public health.
A statement on the prospect of plant closure and a report by the Royal College of Physicians on improving UK air quality in the UK. Our report highlights the connection between the two.
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/public-healt...
A statement on the prospect of plant closure and a report by the Royal College of Physicians on improving UK air quality in the UK. Our report highlights the connection between the two.
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/public-healt...
Crisis at Teesside Bioethanol Plant
Recent US-UK trade deal allows US bioethanol manufacturers greater access to UK market, causing a crisis for UK producers, one of which is Ensus at Wilton. Knock-on effect on Teesside is considerable.
Our report:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/us-uk-trade-...
Recent US-UK trade deal allows US bioethanol manufacturers greater access to UK market, causing a crisis for UK producers, one of which is Ensus at Wilton. Knock-on effect on Teesside is considerable.
Our report:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/us-uk-trade-...
US-UK Trade Deal: Negative Impact Teesside Bioethanol
Trade deal allows improved access to UK for US bioethanol. UK producers in jeopardy, and risks for Teesside economic regeneration are disproportionate
www.teesvalleymonitor.com
May 29, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Crisis at Teesside Bioethanol Plant
Recent US-UK trade deal allows US bioethanol manufacturers greater access to UK market, causing a crisis for UK producers, one of which is Ensus at Wilton. Knock-on effect on Teesside is considerable.
Our report:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/us-uk-trade-...
Recent US-UK trade deal allows US bioethanol manufacturers greater access to UK market, causing a crisis for UK producers, one of which is Ensus at Wilton. Knock-on effect on Teesside is considerable.
Our report:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/us-uk-trade-...
Another Day, Another Setback for Teesside Airport
Easyjet announces it will set up a base at Newcastle Airport. How did the management at Teesside let that opportunity slip past them?
In order to have any chance of financial viability, Teesside needs a low cost airline to set up a base there.
Easyjet announces it will set up a base at Newcastle Airport. How did the management at Teesside let that opportunity slip past them?
In order to have any chance of financial viability, Teesside needs a low cost airline to set up a base there.
May 23, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Another Day, Another Setback for Teesside Airport
Easyjet announces it will set up a base at Newcastle Airport. How did the management at Teesside let that opportunity slip past them?
In order to have any chance of financial viability, Teesside needs a low cost airline to set up a base there.
Easyjet announces it will set up a base at Newcastle Airport. How did the management at Teesside let that opportunity slip past them?
In order to have any chance of financial viability, Teesside needs a low cost airline to set up a base there.
TVCA Cabinet: Standing on the Deck of the Titanic
While the mayor proposes inadequate measures to address criticism of the Authority by external auditors, cabinet members fail to challenge them. Are we waiting in vain for them to assert themselves?
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/tvca-in-cris...
While the mayor proposes inadequate measures to address criticism of the Authority by external auditors, cabinet members fail to challenge them. Are we waiting in vain for them to assert themselves?
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/tvca-in-cris...
TVCA in Crisis: Cabinet Hold Very Extraordinary Meeting
Cabinet meeting discusses letter of complaint by external auditors. Meeting is short, and cabinet members do not challenge proposals, despite their inadequacy
www.teesvalleymonitor.com
May 22, 2025 at 11:32 AM
TVCA Cabinet: Standing on the Deck of the Titanic
While the mayor proposes inadequate measures to address criticism of the Authority by external auditors, cabinet members fail to challenge them. Are we waiting in vain for them to assert themselves?
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/tvca-in-cris...
While the mayor proposes inadequate measures to address criticism of the Authority by external auditors, cabinet members fail to challenge them. Are we waiting in vain for them to assert themselves?
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/tvca-in-cris...
Another Day, Another Setback for Teesside Airport
Easyjet announces it will set up a base at Newcastle Airport. How did the management at Teesside let that opportunity slip past them?
Easyjet announces it will set up a base at Newcastle Airport. How did the management at Teesside let that opportunity slip past them?
May 22, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Another Day, Another Setback for Teesside Airport
Easyjet announces it will set up a base at Newcastle Airport. How did the management at Teesside let that opportunity slip past them?
Easyjet announces it will set up a base at Newcastle Airport. How did the management at Teesside let that opportunity slip past them?
Teesside Airport Closed at Short Notice
Flight FR5958 from Alicante on 2 May had to divert to Manchester as Teesside closed shortly before it was due to land.
TVM set out to discover why lay behind the chaos:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/teesside-air...
Flight FR5958 from Alicante on 2 May had to divert to Manchester as Teesside closed shortly before it was due to land.
TVM set out to discover why lay behind the chaos:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/teesside-air...
Teesside Airport Closes as Alicante Flight Approaches
On 2 May a plane approaching Teesside had to divert to Manchester as the airport had closed at short notice. We look into the circumstances.
www.teesvalleymonitor.com
May 8, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Teesside Airport Closed at Short Notice
Flight FR5958 from Alicante on 2 May had to divert to Manchester as Teesside closed shortly before it was due to land.
TVM set out to discover why lay behind the chaos:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/teesside-air...
Flight FR5958 from Alicante on 2 May had to divert to Manchester as Teesside closed shortly before it was due to land.
TVM set out to discover why lay behind the chaos:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/teesside-air...
Redundancies at Teesside Airport?
Questions raised about the mayor's claims of job creation after £12.5 million investment. And further questions about the TVCA's commitment to supporting local business. Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/tees-valley-...
Questions raised about the mayor's claims of job creation after £12.5 million investment. And further questions about the TVCA's commitment to supporting local business. Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/tees-valley-...
TVCA Mayor: Questions over Social Media Misinformation
The mayor has been challenged about claims about jobs made in this social media posts, and the lack of TVCA support for business. Press needs to investigate
www.teesvalleymonitor.com
April 15, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Redundancies at Teesside Airport?
Questions raised about the mayor's claims of job creation after £12.5 million investment. And further questions about the TVCA's commitment to supporting local business. Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/tees-valley-...
Questions raised about the mayor's claims of job creation after £12.5 million investment. And further questions about the TVCA's commitment to supporting local business. Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/tees-valley-...
Reality Bites for Houchen as Best Value Notice Starts to Take Effect
Tees Valley mayor will step down as chair of three development corporations. Why didn't he do it sooner? And what else might be in the pipeline?
Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/reality-bite...
Tees Valley mayor will step down as chair of three development corporations. Why didn't he do it sooner? And what else might be in the pipeline?
Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/reality-bite...
Reality Bites for Houchen: Steps Down as Chair of MDCs
Tees Valley mayor will step down as chair of development corporations this year, as recommended by the Tees Valley Review. But why didn't he do it last year?
www.teesvalleymonitor.com
April 13, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Reality Bites for Houchen as Best Value Notice Starts to Take Effect
Tees Valley mayor will step down as chair of three development corporations. Why didn't he do it sooner? And what else might be in the pipeline?
Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/reality-bite...
Tees Valley mayor will step down as chair of three development corporations. Why didn't he do it sooner? And what else might be in the pipeline?
Our report is here:
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/reality-bite...
Interesting
@teesvalleymonitor.bsky.social
There are allegations that a certain duo who have handsomely filled their pockets in Great Teesworks swindle have been setting up new companies based on what they can get government subsidies for this is according to a supplier who has had to open new accounts,?🤔
There are allegations that a certain duo who have handsomely filled their pockets in Great Teesworks swindle have been setting up new companies based on what they can get government subsidies for this is according to a supplier who has had to open new accounts,?🤔
April 13, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Interesting
Reposted by @TeesValleyMonitor
@teesvalleymonitor.bsky.social Great in Bedford getting a universal theme park,Can we do this @ Teesworks ? it would be Benny Land,they’ll have virtual tours round the site and see all the virtual jobs 👍 as in reality that’s all we have £546 million peed away and Lord Airport has conned us all
April 9, 2025 at 4:36 PM
@teesvalleymonitor.bsky.social Great in Bedford getting a universal theme park,Can we do this @ Teesworks ? it would be Benny Land,they’ll have virtual tours round the site and see all the virtual jobs 👍 as in reality that’s all we have £546 million peed away and Lord Airport has conned us all
while we welcome the award of a best value notice, we question why it took so long. And yes, Labour MPs in opposition did more shouting than was prudent about the NAO. But the TVCA is still functioning so we are interested to see whether the BVN is robust enough to turn things around
Lying Labour MPs promised accountability of Houchen when on the campaign trail,9 months on WTF ,the moneys has gone squirrelled away by a group of weasels our assets spent on HIGH END cars and trainers ,so has the publics ownership and any real benefit to the people it’s a charade led by Houchen
April 3, 2025 at 11:55 PM
while we welcome the award of a best value notice, we question why it took so long. And yes, Labour MPs in opposition did more shouting than was prudent about the NAO. But the TVCA is still functioning so we are interested to see whether the BVN is robust enough to turn things around
Tees Valley Authority issued Best Value Notice
After months of speculation the government has today finally published proposals to scrutinise the dysfunctional authority led by Lord Ben Houchen. The recent cabinet meeting highlights some of its issues
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/tees-valley-...
After months of speculation the government has today finally published proposals to scrutinise the dysfunctional authority led by Lord Ben Houchen. The recent cabinet meeting highlights some of its issues
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/tees-valley-...
Tees Valley Authority issued with Best Value Notice
MHCLG has issues TVCA with best value notice due to concerns over governance and value for money. Recent cabinet meeting highlighted some of the issues
www.teesvalleymonitor.com
April 3, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Tees Valley Authority issued Best Value Notice
After months of speculation the government has today finally published proposals to scrutinise the dysfunctional authority led by Lord Ben Houchen. The recent cabinet meeting highlights some of its issues
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/tees-valley-...
After months of speculation the government has today finally published proposals to scrutinise the dysfunctional authority led by Lord Ben Houchen. The recent cabinet meeting highlights some of its issues
www.teesvalleymonitor.com/tees-valley-...
The issue in Redcar planning seems to be with the high number of cases that are decided by officers and not passed on to the planning committee. And that committee is itself dysfunctional. Grangetown incinerator is an example of this
On my last FOI to Redcar Council I asked how many officers were paid over £50k and under £100 k pa it was 154managers so surely they must be able to do something right?
March 30, 2025 at 9:30 PM
The issue in Redcar planning seems to be with the high number of cases that are decided by officers and not passed on to the planning committee. And that committee is itself dysfunctional. Grangetown incinerator is an example of this
Yes. But Redcar Council Planning Department seems to be a very dark place. Who knows what will happen?
Mr Green stood down from the Redcar Arena ltd,but Turner is involved? without being a director.
The company has 0 money O assets so Redcar council shouldn’t be renewing it’s option on the land,as they have no tangible assets,& it must be up for renewal about now unless someone is trying a grab🤔
The company has 0 money O assets so Redcar council shouldn’t be renewing it’s option on the land,as they have no tangible assets,& it must be up for renewal about now unless someone is trying a grab🤔
March 30, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Yes. But Redcar Council Planning Department seems to be a very dark place. Who knows what will happen?