18 February 2026

This evening, Middlesbrough Council has passed its budget for 2026–27, confirming a major investment in services for children and young people, including a commitment to provide a youth club or dedicated youth provision in every ward across the town.

The budget marks the first time in over a decade that the council has been able to invest without cutting frontline services, following the decisions of Mayor Chris Cooke to take the Council out of the Best Value Notice it was hit with under the previous administration. The Labour budget was overwhelmingly passed with cross-party support from Labour, Conservative, Reform, Liberal Democrat and Independent councillors.

The package includes new funding for youth services, play and recreation, and programmes designed to give children the best possible start in life. Alongside the youth club commitment, the budget invests in expanded opportunities for young people, improvements to parks and neighbourhood facilities, and targeted support for families facing the greatest pressures.

Luke Myer MP welcomed the budget as a clear example of Labour delivering locally on its values, alongside national action to tackle child poverty, expand free school meals and invest in early years and youth provision. He said the focus on universal access to youth services reflected a belief that every child, in every neighbourhood, deserves safe spaces, trusted adults and opportunities to thrive.

Commenting after the vote, Luke Myer MP said:

“This is a powerful statement of intent from our local Labour team. It says that Middlesbrough believes in its young people and is prepared to invest in their future. This budget shows what Labour does in practice – putting children first, strengthening communities and backing early support that prevents problems later on.“

Mayor Chris Cooke said:

“This budget is all about our residents. We’re able to target over £6m of new investment on improving people’s lives and making Middlesbrough a better place to live. It’s pleasing that the budget got such widespread support and I’d like to thank all councillors for their input. It’s now up to us to deliver.”