Leader of the Council, Cllr Alec Brown, has responded to media stories picking up on suggestions that council services - or the council itself – could merge with other local authorities.
Cllr Brown stated there are “no plans to propose any mergers.” He said:
"Our aim is clear: delivering for our residents with first class services that represent value for money. To achieve that, we work with Middlesbrough Council – and many other partner agencies – every single day across a number of areas and will continue to do so. However, mergers not only bring their own costs but could also leave our tax-payers and residents in a worse position and we have no plans to propose any mergers at any time.
"I am proud of the hard work taking place to ensure that we deliver a balanced budget - despite cuts in Government funding over many years. I would encourage Simon Clarke to urge the Government fund our Council and others across the country properly so we can continue to look after our most vulnerable people, encourage economic growth and supply the vital services people need."