William Eichler 30 January 2024

Teesworks inquiry finds no evidence of ‘corruption’

Teesworks inquiry finds no evidence of ‘corruption’ image
Image: benhouchen.com.

An inquiry into accusations of corruption relating to the finances behind the Teesworks regeneration scheme has found no evidence of ‘illegality’ but questions were raised over ‘transparency’.

The independent review of the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s (TVCA) oversight of the South Tees Development Corporation Board (STDC) and Teesworks Joint Venture concluded there was ‘no evidence to support allegations of corruption or illegality.’

However, the report said there are ‘issues of governance and transparency that need to be addressed’ and added that ‘a number of decisions taken by the bodies involved do not meet the standards expected when managing public funds.’

Teesworks is one of the largest brownfield remediation projects in Europe. It has £560m of resources behind it, including £246m in Government grants and £257m prudential borrowing.

The investigation was launched after the Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald claimed in Parliament that the regeneration scheme harboured ‘corruption on an industrial scale’.

Responding to the report’s findings, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: ‘The people of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool can welcome this investigation, which sets out in black and white that there is no corruption or illegality at Teesworks.’

He added: ‘I welcome the recommendations of the panel and my team and I are already working to review the recommendations to improve our processes and procedures in line with the report’s findings.’

Mayor Houchen also accused Mr McDonald of lying in Parliament ‘in an attempt to sabotage the opportunities we’ve worked so hard to deliver’.

Taking to Twitter/X, Mr McDonald described the report’s findings as ‘damning’.

‘What is clear is there are massive concerns about governance and finance, oversight, scrutiny, and value for money – all of the things that I have said over these years.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner