In May, voters in Tees Valley will return to the polls to elect their metro mayor for a second time. Since 2017, this new institution has used its significant executive powers and funding to make strategic decisions over the city region, generating growth and opportunities for the local economy. This policy briefing sets out three policy priorities for the metro mayor beyond the immediate recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Policy priority 1: Invest in local skills to boost productivity, employment and wages

• Focus the £30.5 million devolved Adult Education Budget on residents without formal qualifications and establish a ‘skills compact’
• Commit to extending skills programmes currently funded with European Union money
• Build on the new careers service by providing a ‘UCAS for apprenticeships’ portal

Policy priority 2: Develop a thriving city centre economy in Middlesbrough

• Ensure more Grade A office space is available in the centre of Middlesbrough
• Avoid forcing new office and retail development away from town centres
• Pursue infill development within Middlesbrough

Policy Priority 3: Make the city region easier to get around without owning a car

• Franchise bus services
• Create ‘Transport for Tees Valley’
• Invest in and grow locally innovative transport policies