Joint Statement from Tees Valley Labour MPs

3 April 2025

The Tees Valley Mayoral Combined Authority (TVCA) has today become the third combined authority in the UK to be issued a Best Value Notice – a formal notice that the Government is concerned about governance, financial management and ability to improve. This follows the 2023-24 independent review, which found that arrangements at TVCA “do not include the expected sufficiency of transparency and oversight across the system to evidence value for money”. Given the seriousness of the issues identified, it is imperative that those responsible act to address them.

The Tees Valley is a region of major opportunity, with significant new investment coming in to create jobs and drive economic growth. Every week, we are speaking to investors and our Government about the enormous potential our region has. The Prime Minister has recognised Teesside’s “unique potential” for new industries, and in recent months, we have already seen the confidence this Government has in Teesside with the billions committed to projects in carbon capture and storage, sustainable aviation fuel, and other industries. It is important that local governance at The Tees Valley Mayoral Combined Authority puts us in the strongest position to continue this progress and build a stronger future for our region.

Luke Myer MP – Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland

Anna Turley MP – Redcar

Andy McDonald MP – Middlesbrough and Thornaby East

Chris McDonald MP – Stockton North

Jonathan Brash MP – Hartlepool

Lola McEvoy MP – Darlington