Leaders Approve Plan To Address TVCA Best Value Notice

An improvement plan to address concerns outlined in a Best Value Notice issued for the Tees Valley Combined Authority has been formally approved by leaders.

The Combined Authority Cabinet approved an organisational Improvement Plan at a meeting on Friday morning (27 June).

The Ministry for Communities, Homes and Local Government issued the non-statutory notice to TVCA on 3 April 2025 which set expectations for improvements and earmarked a review to take place after a year.

By listening to and working collaboratively with the constituent Local Authorities, TVCA Cabinet and all Statutory Committees, the Improvement Plan was developed.

It has been shaped by independently facilitated engagement workshops with TVCA Cabinet Members, the Transport Committee, TVCA Audit and Governance Committee, Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and senior officers of the Combined Authority and the five constituent Local Authorities, including the Tees Valley Chief Executives, Finance Directors, Monitoring Officers and Regeneration Directors.

The Local Government Association (LGA) provided facilitation as part of the process – and extensive feedback from all groups has been used to shape the plan.

The plan directly addresses issues related to Governance, Partnerships, Continuous Improvement, Culture and Use of Resources.

Now it has been officially approved by the TVCA’s leadership, a response has been submitted to the Government ahead of its 3 July deadline.

Meanwhile, major public sector figures and an LGA representative will sit on an Independent Advisory Board which will oversee and guide the Combined Authority’s work as it implements its plan.

Newly appointed Tees Valley Combined Authority Chief Executive, Tom Bryant, said: “Our plan has been informed by invaluable input and support from our constituent authorities and committees – and we’re pleased it has now received the official backing of our Cabinet.

“The plan sets out actions to embed improvements at the heart of our organisation, and I’m wholly committed to taking this forward at pace.

“We have fully accepted the Best Value Notice and are absolutely committed to demonstrating meaningful and sustained improvement.

“The Best Value Notice has given us an opportunity to take stock, reset and work with our constituent Local Authorities and committees to strengthen relationships, understand how others see the Combined Authority and pull forward together for the good of local people.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their support so far, and I will ensure that this plan is delivered.”

For more information on Tees Valley Combined Authority’s Best Value Notice, visit https://teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/about/best-value-notice/