William Eichler 26 April 2024

Watchdog should investigate Teesworks freeport, MPs say

Watchdog should investigate Teesworks freeport, MPs say  image
Image: benhouchen.com.

MPs have recommended that the National Audit Office (NAO) should investigate the finances of the controversial Teesworks regeneration project.

The cross-party Business and Trade Committee today urged the secretary of state for levelling up to direct the NAO to scrutinise spending associated with the regeneration scheme after an inquiry found there were ‘issues of governance and transparency.’

The call was made as part of the committee’s wider investigation into the transparency and governance of freeports and investment zones, both key parts of the Government’s levelling up agenda.

Published today, the committee’s report found that both projects suffer from fragmented decision making and need a single regional leader to improve accountability.

It also found that while the structures of scrutiny in mayoral combined authorities for freeports and investment zones were sound, they suffer from low attendance and engagement.

Committee chair Liam Byrne commented: ‘The long-term success of freeports and investment zones rests on long-term political backing, and crucially, trust and confidence in the governance. This can only be achieved by enhancing governance and transparency.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Residential Youth Practitioner

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £39513
The Move On Service provides intensive supported housing accommodation for young people aged 16 to 18 years who are in the care of the local authority, working to create individual plans for those requiring additional support for their transition towards Witney
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Locality and Community Support Worker - North

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £39513
The Locality & Community Support Service in North Oxfordshire are seeking to recruit a Locality Support Worker to join their Locality & Community Support Team. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic worker who is passionate about improving outc Banbury
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner