Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen Faces Scrutiny on Employment, Crime, and Infrastructure

Strategic Insights -

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen was quizzed by residents from across the region on employment, crime, and infrastructure during his first appearance in BBC Radio Tees' "hot seat" on Thursday, May 15. The Conservative Mayor fielded questions about a skills shortage, drink and drugs in Stockton town centre, and capping bus fares, among other topics. Host Amy Oakden explained that listeners could ask whatever they wanted, and the discussion covered various aspects of the mayor's role, including creating wealth and prosperity, jobs, and making region-wide places better to live.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ben Houchen acknowledged the skills shortage and the need to bridge the skills gap for school leavers and young adults, highlighting the importance of providing training to match jobs being created in the local area.
  • The Tees Valley Mayor emphasized the need to change the narrative around manual professions, stating that such roles are not "inferior" to more digital jobs.
  • Mayor Houchen expressed concern about the risk of Stockton becoming a "no-go area" and pledged to tackle crime with a "zero tolerance" approach.
  • He defended his role in Teesside House and Teesworks, citing an independent review that found no illegality but made 28 recommendations.
  • Mayor Houchen took issue with Labour MP Andy McDonald's accusations of corruption, stating that the controversy caused investors to pause looking at Teesside as a location for investment.
  • The mayor explained that he doesn't have the revenue to cap single bus fares at £2.50, as done by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness.
  • Ben Houchen highlighted the importance of regeneration efforts and the need for people to feel safe, citing Middlesbrough town centre as an example.
  • He also emphasized the need to get involved in-addressing the perception of crime, which is something Middlesbrough's Director of Regeneration recently discussed.

Statistics:

  • 250,000 extra skilled workers are estimated to be needed by 2028 across the country.
  • The adult education budget, which Ben Houchen has direct control over, is providing funding for people aged 19 or over to reskill or get a qualification.
  • £500m of taxpayers' money was spent on Teesside House, and an independent review made 28 recommendations.

Sources:

  • [Interview with Ben Houchen on BBC Radio Tees, May 15]