Middlesbrough Council looks set to sell off a raft of buildings while hiking up charges to the public in a bid to balance its books.
Drastic plans could see the long-term use of the Town Hall put into question while buildings and assets including TeesAMP business park, Middlesbrough House and Middlesbrough Municipal Golf Centre would be sold off. Parking charges, licence fees and charges for services could also increase from as early as December.
A report to the council’s Executive Board has revealed a forecast overspend of more than £8.5m against its approved budget for the second quarter of the financial year, while usable reserves remain at “a critically low level”. Without action, the authority’s “fragile” financial position could lead to Middlesbrough being forced to issue an S114 notice which effectively declares a council bankrupt.
The Executive will meet to discuss the recommendations next week. Meanwhile, a further report setting out the proposed 2024/25 draft Budget, which includes council tax, will be presented in a report to the Executive in December.
Which council assets and buildings are being considered under the plans?
An asset review report by the directors of regeneration and finance revealed the proposed sales would bring in an estimated £33m but it would also see a reduction in the council’s longer term income of £1m a year. Staff who may be affected by the relocation of services have been told no jobs would be affected by the approval of the report.
