Plans for Mayor’s £4.37m Priorities Fund to go before Executive
Last updated 1st May 2025
Improving opportunities for children and supporting youth services in Middlesbrough is central to a new multi-million pound investment plan.
Mayor Chris Cooke's £4.37m Priorities Fund is designed for one-off, high impact projects to improve the town.
If agreed by councillors on Middlesbrough Council's Executive this week, £5,000 would be designated to each of the borough's 46 councillors to propose projects they believe will improve their wards.
A total of £680,000 would also be confirmed for four initial projects, including a £180,000 scheme providing grants to help businesses improve their premises and revitalise shopping centres as well as a 50% budget boost for improving grass verges across the town.
A report to be considered by the Executive explains how the investment is possible due to extra government grant funding which is only guaranteed for one year and therefore cannot be built into regular day-to-day spending budgets.
Mayor Cooke said: "This fund allows us to make a significant reinvestment in things that really matter to the people of Middlesbrough.
“They’re practical, common-sense projects that will make a massive difference on the ground in our communities.
"After getting a grip on our finances, this year we've been able to boost key council budgets, including in our area care and pest control services.
"Now as we move forward, I'm delighted we have this one-off opportunity to invest in projects that will improve the lives of Middlesbrough's residents."
The biggest initial investment outlined in the report is £250,000 for the proposed Childhood Enrichment Team.
The team will help young people feel a proud and valued part of Middlesbrough and build on the successful work of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which provides activities, trips and experiences alongside a healthy meal during the school holidays.
That service would be expanded to also run during the May, October and February half terms.
The town's cultural offer including the Town Hall, Newham Grange Farm, museums, theatres, galleries and heritage sites would also be used to help support children to develop new interests and friendships and maximise their potential.
Another £100,000 would support the growth, development and long-term sustainability of smaller youth providers across Middlesbrough.
Seed grant funding would help emerging organisations build the infrastructure, skills and capacity needed to deliver high-quality services for young people.
If these initial schemes are agreed, around £3.45m would still be available for further mayoral initiatives this year and these would be brought back to the Executive for approval.