Overview
- The Cabinet voted 4–1 to keep existing delegations in place, tasking officers to secure financial close and implement the Tees Valley Energy Recovery Facility arrangements.
- Council reports warn that exiting would cost at least £878,000–£900,000, with a collapse after withdrawal risking multi‑million liabilities and a potential section 114 notice.
- Leader Alec Brown said all six partner councils have now agreed to proceed, meaning the plant will go ahead regardless of Redcar and Cleveland’s 9% stake.
- Viridor remains the preferred bidder for the Teesworks site near Grangetown under a proposed 29‑year contract with a possible 11‑year extension, with council papers citing a 2029 opening and 450,000‑tonne annual capacity.
- Reform‑led Durham County Council now backs the deal and claims around £250m in savings across the seven councils and new profit‑sharing, as local opponents continue to raise environmental and transparency concerns and UKHSA guidance notes modern plants pose no significant public‑health risk.