The Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, Councillor Dave Bruce, has today sent the following letter to Jonathan Brash MP in reply to Mr Brash's open letter to him of 15 September:
Dear Jonathan
Thank you for your letter dated 15 September and for your congratulations on my appointment as Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council.
I share the view that this is both a privilege and a significant responsibility. Residents rightly expect the Council to put their safety, their neighbourhoods and their money first. That is the standard I intend to apply.
You are right that Hartlepool has faced particular pressure from poorly managed Houses in Multiple Occupation and from the placement of vulnerable people by authorities elsewhere. Those pressures have been felt in communities across the town and I take them very seriously.
Progressing the Council’s consideration of the Article 4 Direction remains a priority and significant consultation and preparatory work has already been undertaken. A further meeting of the Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Committee will consider the relevant report and recommendations before Full Council takes the final decision on whether to confirm the Direction. Any decision must be taken through the proper decision-making process, following consideration of the relevant evidence, consultation responses and officer recommendations. If Full Council confirms the Direction, it will come into force on 1 December 2026, being the date stated in the notice. I recognise the strength of concern expressed by local communities, but it is important that the matter is considered promptly, lawfully and with appropriate regard to the statutory process, so that any measures taken withstand proper scrutiny.
The issue of out-of-area placements also requires greater attention at a national level. Councils should not be able to place vulnerable individuals into communities without proper engagement with the receiving authority and due regard to local capacity and impact. This remains one of the most significant concerns raised by residents and I would welcome your support in pressing Government for stronger controls in this area.
The same test will apply to investment. Hartlepool needs capital investment that creates local jobs, develops local skills and delivers lasting improvements to communities and public services. We will support projects that achieve those aims and challenge those that do not. Public money must deliver value for the people who provide it.
Regardless of political leadership, councils across the country have faced increasing demand, rising costs and long-term pressure on local government funding. Hartlepool is no exception. My focus is on ensuring that every pound delivers value for residents while continuing to make the case for a funding system that better reflects the needs of towns such as Hartlepool. We can agree on the need for council tax reform and on Hartlepool requiring a better deal from government, including greater control over the high costs associated with children’s social care placements. Sustained support for the services that residents rely upon most remains essential and I hope we can work together to ensure Hartlepool’s case is heard clearly.
I welcome your offer of constructive working. As Hartlepool’s Member of Parliament and as Leader of the Council, we both have responsibilities to the same residents. While we may not always agree on policy or approach, I hope we can work together wherever there is an opportunity to secure investment, improve services and address the challenges facing the town. Where our priorities align, you will find a willing partner. Where we take a different view on method or timing, I will set that out openly and constructively.
The issues you raise go to the heart of residents’ concerns about neighbourhoods, public safety and value for money. These are priorities for my administration and I look forward to working constructively with you where we can achieve positive outcomes for Hartlepool.
I would be pleased to meet in the coming weeks to discuss these matters further, particularly housing controls, out-of-area placements and the delivery of projects already being progressed.
Yours sincerely
Dave Bruce
Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council