The Government has ordered a Best Value inspection of Tees Valley Combined Authority over concerns about how it is run and how it manages its money.
In a letter to the mayor, Local Government Minister Jim McMahon said Laura Shoaf CBE has been appointed to lead the inspection, with three assistant inspectors to follow.
The inspectors will examine how decisions are made, how the authority's finances are checked and audited, and how much financial risk it is taking. They will also look at its plans to manage its debt, including money it lends on to other organisations, and whether it has the leadership and staff to do the job.
The review will also check whether the authority is delivering improvements recommended by an independent review in 2024, and how any problems are affecting its culture, partnerships and services.
The inspectors will be able to see any documents or premises they need, and the authority has been told not to destroy any records. It must also cover the inspectors' fees.
The findings are due by March 2027.
A spokesperson for the authority said it welcomed the appointments and would ‘work openly and constructively’ with the inspectors. They described the process as a chance to show progress, adding: ‘There is more work to do.’
