The government today confirmed that an inspection will be undertaken at Tees Valley Combined Authority. The inspection aims to determine whether the authority is complying with its Best Value Duty, as Ministers have ongoing concerns and remaining questions about financial sustainability and management, leadership, and governance.
Inspectors, appointed under the Local Government Act 1999, will assess the authority’s arrangements for continuous improvement. Their findings are due to be reported to Ministers by March 2027.
This inspection follows the independent Tees Valley Review Report published in January 2024, which made 26 formal recommendations. In April 2025, Ministers issued a non-statutory Best Value Notice to the authority, seeking further assurance of improvement.
Minister for Local Government, Devolutions and Regional Growth, Jim McMahon OBE, stated that stronger local leadership must be matched by strong local institutions, emphasising the responsibility to demonstrate strong governance and sound financial management as powers and investment increase.