Overview

• Newcastle's full council backed pulling out of the Tees Valley Energy Recovery Facility, with the final decision expected from the Labour cabinet.
• Durham County Council leader Andrew Husband said his Reform UK administration has no appetite for the scheme and has told officers to examine exit options.
• Husband said Durham would not seek compensation from councils that leave and signalled he could push for an emergency full council if Newcastle's cabinet ignores the vote.
• The contract is reported to be worth more than £2 billion and could run for up to 40 years, while Newcastle's leadership warned withdrawal now could cost up to £30 million.
• The project has Viridor confirmed as operator, an Environment Agency permit, and a 2029 opening target to process up to 450,000 tonnes annually, though opponents warn it could hinder meeting the 65% recycling target by 2035.