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Teesworks Inquiry Clears Path Forward Amidst Governance Criticisms

An impartial investigation into the Teesworks development is poised to dispel concerns of corruption or illegal activities linked to its finances, reliable sources reveal. However, according to insights obtained by the PA news agency, the long-anticipated report does not shy away from pointing out shortcomings in governance and transparency within one of Europe’s most significant brownfield regeneration endeavours.

Governance and Transparency Scrutinized

The Teesworks initiative, spearheaded by Tees Valley’s Conservative Mayor Ben Houchen, has been under scrutiny in an inquiry led by three senior local authority officers, as mandated by Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove last year. The inquiry’s findings, set to be disclosed in a parliamentary statement by Housing Minister Lee Rowley on Monday afternoon, are expected to acknowledge the absence of evidence supporting allegations of illegality or corruption.

Criticisms and Clarifications

While exonerating the mayor from accusations of selling land at a nominal rate of £1 per acre, the report is also anticipated to underline the project’s positive economic impact, countering claims. Mayor Houchen, who heads the South Tees Development Corporation overseeing the Teesworks site, has consistently refuted corruption allegations.

Middlesbrough’s Labour MP Andy McDonald had previously voiced concerns about the Teesworks project in the Commons, alleging “industrial-scale corruption.” The report will likely address these concerns, discrediting accusations of impropriety surrounding the acquisition of the site and subsequent taxpayer investments.

Political Defenses and Future Outlook

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, speaking during a visit to Darlington, defended the rigorous nature of the inquiry earlier on Monday. Former minister Sir Simon Clarke was confident the report would vindicate Teesworks and Mayor Houchen from wrongdoing. “I am 100% confident that the substantive allegation of corruption will be proved false,” he asserted, emphasizing the anticipated exoneration of Teesworks from impropriety.

Teesworks and Freeport Project: Aiming for Green Industry Redevelopment

The Teesworks and Freeport project, with a mission to transform Redcar’s former steelworks into a hub for green industry in northeast England, was initially a joint venture between Mayor Houchen’s public body and local developers. However, it transitioned to majority private ownership in late 2021. Despite governance criticisms, profits surged to £54 million in the year to March 2023 after private sector companies increased their stake to 90%, as reported by the Financial Times earlier this month.

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