Overview

• The Conservative opposition has tabled a motion for Thursday’s full council meeting urging Darlington to quit the Tees Valley Energy Recovery Facility over financial and environmental risks.
• The motion warns of penalties for supplying less waste, exposure to future carbon costs, and pressure on recycling targets from a long-term contract.
• Council leader Steve Harker said the Labour–Liberal Democrat administration has already rejected leaving and noted the Conservatives committed the authority to the scheme in 2022.
• Regionally, Newcastle’s cabinet has pressed on with participation after dismissing an exit vote, arguing there is no viable alternative, with the plant slated to open in 2029 and forecast to power about 60,000 homes.
• The proposed facility at Teesworks near Grangetown would process around 450,000 tonnes of residual waste a year from seven councils, with Viridor confirmed as operator, as Durham’s Reform UK leader signals interest in seeking an exit.