Bullying row council freed from scrutiny

Middlesbrough's mayor acknowledged more work was needed

A council embroiled in bullying claims and financial concerns is no longer under formal scrutiny from the government.

Middlesbrough Council was put under a Best Value Notice last year, which compelled it to improve within 12 months.

That notice was extended for six months at the start of 2024.

Now the government has allowed the notice to expire and said it recognised the council's work to "understand its previous financial position", but warned "significant financial risk remained".

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: "This is positive news but our hard work is only just beginning."

Staff changes

Announcing the end of the formal scrutiny, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said the council had shown its intention to "maintain its improvement journey beyond the notice process".

It said the local authority had made positive changes to key leadership staff and developed strategies and infrastructure "for ongoing improvement in culture, governance and financial sustainability".

The notice came about following an external audit report in 2022 which found the council had unlawfully employed an adviser and made wrongful payments to a publicity firm.

Meanwhile, a report by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (Cipfa) said staff reported "feeling bullied and intimidated".