30 March 2026

Local MP Luke Myer has secured £155,000 from the Labour Government to make sure Middlesbrough Council backs local food businesses instead of defaulting to big, distant suppliers.

The funding will be used to overhaul how the council buys food for public services, opening the door for more local firms to win contracts and keep money circulating in the Teesside economy.

Public bodies spend billions each year on food, but too often that cash leaves the area. Luke has long supported bringing the community wealth building model developed in Cleveland, USA, to Cleveland, UK, and this funding is a positive step to ensure that things are done differently in the food sector, and that good practice can be shared with other councils.

Food Security Minister Dame Angela Eagle said:

“With nearly £5 billion spent on food and catering in England each year, the public sector has enormous purchasing power. 

“That is a real opportunity to improve public health, back local businesses and build more sustainable food supply chains.”

“We can raise food procurement standards right across England and ensure our food procurement spend delivers for the local economy.”

Luke Myer MP said:

“For too long, taxpayers’ money has been spent without enough thought about who actually benefits. This funding is about changing that – making sure more of that money backs local businesses in Middlesbrough and our farmers in East Cleveland too.

“Local businesses should have a fair shot at supplying local public services. I’ll be working closely with the council to make sure this delivers.”

Kath Dalmeny, Chief Executive of the Sustain food and farming alliance said:

“Public sector food buying contracts – paid for by taxpayers’ money – are an essential way for places to help more British farmers produce healthy food in a way that restores nature, preserves soil and vital pollinators, and reduces dangerous greenhouse gas emissions.”