Mark Whitehead 17 May 2023

Teesworks project under scrutiny after corruption allegations

Teesworks project under scrutiny after corruption allegations image
Image: Jirsak / Shutterstock.com.

A major project to transform the former Redcar Steelworks site into a manufacturing hub is under scrutiny amid allegations of corruption and cronyism.

The National Audit Office (NAO) has been urged to conduct an investigataion into the Teesworks project which has received more than £350m of Government funding and loans.

The Tees Valley Combined Authority, which is running the project, has handed a 90% stake in Teesworks Limited to two developers who profit from multi-million-pound lease agreements and half the money made from scrap metal sales.

Shadow levelling up secretary Lisa Nandy has called for a full investigation, while Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has also requested a full parliamentary inquiry to clear his name of any wrongdoing.

The NAO has previously reviewed the business case for the project, but cannot conduct a detailed audit of the accounts without approval from levelling up secretary Michael Gove.

Ms Nandy asked the NAO to probe the project and answer ‘important questions about the transfer of a vital public asset into private ownership’.

Mr Houchen, who is leading the redevelopment, said he also wrote to the NAO to request an investigation because he has ‘nothing to hide’.

Sign up here to recieve our free daily news and jobs bulletin.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Data, Monitoring and Citizen Science Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £37,035 to £40,476 p.a. (Pay Award Pending)
We are looking for an organised and reliable individual to join our team here at the North Pennines National Landscape in Stanhope for a period of 15 Stanhope
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5, £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata 37 hours per week, Term Time only + 2 weeks Permanent     Required from 1st September Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Structures Commissioner

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer - WMF2139e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586
We have an excellent opportunity for a motivated candidate to apply for the role of Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer. Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Customer Operations Assistant

Wyre Borough Council
£12.26 Per Hour
Marine Hall is a vibrant and dynamic venue dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for our audiences and customers. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner