Matt Vickers MP has welcomed that the review into Teesworks found no evidence of corruption or illegality in respect of Teesworks Ltd, the Teesworks Joint Venture Partners, the South Tees Development Corporation or Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA).
The review was established by the Secretary of State for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities following claims of corruption made in Parliament and the media in relation to the redevelopment of Teesworks, the UK’s biggest industrial zone.
It also recognised the pace and scope of regeneration at Teesworks and the positive impact on the Tees Valley economy, including the creation of 9,000 jobs and the return of £1.3billion to the local taxpayer in business rates. It also highlighted the “critical” role the Joint Venture Partnership has played in unlocking and developing the site at pace.
The report contained a series of recommendations to further strengthen governance and improve transparency at the Combined Authority.
Matt Vickers MP said:
"It was never in doubt that this report would come back free of any findings of corruption or illegality.
Neither Ben Houchen nor TVCA would have jeopardised the people of Teesside, the thousands of jobs that came with Teesworks or the reputation of our industry with dodgy deals or backhanders.
This was a blatant smear campaign directed by opponents of the Freeport, who wanted nothing less than to tear down years of hard work by a Conservative Mayor and local Conservative MP's.
Thankfully, this report puts to bed all of these baseless allegations, and Ben and TVCA can continue their fantastic work in regenerating our area and it's workforce."
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said:
“While we were vindicated by this report and it made clear that there was no wrongdoing at Teesworks, we recognise and welcome the recommendations it made so we can continue to improve our processes.
“We have been clear that we will work quickly and effectively to deliver on these, which will provide a firm basis for future governance and transparency procedures.
“We have worked closely with officers and elected members from the five Local Authorities to ensure a co-ordinated and robust process is now in place and I look forward to working with them to move this forward at pace.”
