Date set for crunch talks on Teesside Airport
A meeting this week will discuss the future of Teesside airport - and focus on 20 million pounds of extra funding it's been promised
A date is set for crunch talks over the future of Teesside airport - and plans for a multi-million pound support package.
Councillors will have the chance to discuss the airport's 10 year investment plan at a meeting this week - expecting to hone in on 20 million pounds of extra cash to be put towards it.
Losses of almost £12m at the publicly-owned site were unveiled in 2021/22 accounts. Airport chiefs have pointed to covid impacts and wider infrastructure investment as key reasons for the multi-million pound hole.
But Labour MPs Andy McDonald and Alex Cunningham have clashed with Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen over the losses, scrutiny, and where the money would go.
Now members from across Teesside will pore over the airport’s updated business plan as well as proposals for the Tees Valley to set up its own solar venture.
Redcar and Cleveland Council chief Mary Lanigan wanted a closer look at the books at the latest combined authority cabinet meeting.
She said: “Redcar and Cleveland Council don’t want anything to happen to Teesside Airport – or anything with your investments in Hartlepool or Middlesbrough – that’s not what this is about.
“The Tees Valley needs to flourish. However, with things like this it’s got to be absolutely open and above board so everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet.”
The airport was granted a £10m bailout by TVCA cabinet members in July 2021 to cope with covid pressures.
Account documents for 2021/22 showed the airport’s turnover increased from £4.8m to £7.6m – but the operating loss rose slightly to £13.8m, with the overall loss for the financial year listed for £11.8m.
The wider investment plan was eventually approved “in principle” by the TVCA cabinet – with the scrutiny committee invited to offer its thoughts.
The scrutiny review will likely offer its findings and possible recommendations back to the combined authority cabinet once complete.
It would then be up to the cabinet – made up of Mr Houchen and the five Tees Valley council leaders in Stockton, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Darlington and Hartlepool to agree or disagree with what the scrutiny panel recommends.
The committee is set to meet at the airport on Wednesday, August 10, at 1pm.