Got to keep the posts count up...
Cllr Hobson chaired a sub-committee at the authority which was set up to scrutinise and ask questions of the organisation's 2021/22 budget. Sub-committee members were advised by officers that the responsibility of the combined authority did not extend to a detailed budget review of a separate company relating to the airport.
Cllr Hobson, who is chairman of Middlesbrough Council and also chairs its planning committee, attempted to present the findings of his sub-committee in respect of the 2021/22 budget at a recent TVCA cabinet meeting. But he was cut short by Conservative Mr Houchen and only allowed to read out three observations the sub-committee wished to place on record.
The sub-committee said it was not given the opportunity to look at Teesside International Airport Limited, which is a subsidiary of the combined authority. Therefore it was not able to scrutinise fully any spending involving public funds. Cllr Hobson said he was not satisfied with the response he and other members received.
Gazette - Mayor criticised over scrutiny of millions of taxpayer support provided for Teesside Airport