Delivering for Stockton, Billingham and Norton - April 2025

Policing and Community Safety

At the last election, I promised to fight for more police officers on the beat and safer streets in every part of our community. This month, Cleveland Police achieved a 'good' rating in their HMICFRS inspection - moving up three tiers and becoming one of the top ten forces in the UK. This progress is thanks to the tireless work of our police officers, staff, volunteers, and the leadership of our Police and Crime Commissioner, Matt Storey.

This success has been underpinned by an 8.6% fall in crime - 5,869 fewer victims - and a 23% reduction in residential burglary. Alongside these achievements, new neighbourhood policing measures have been announced, including named officers for every area and two dedicated officers patrolling Stockton Town Centre seven days a week.

The Labour Government has taken swift and serious action to restore trust and order. That includes scrapping the Conservative Government’s £200 theft amnesty, investing in courts to ensure prosecutions happen, and creating more prison spaces in seven months than the previous government managed in 14 years. This is a direct step forward on our pledge to build safer communities.

But there is still work to do. My focus remains on ensuring every resident feels safe - at home, on the high street, and in our communities.

Backing Local Businesses

This month I visited Noir D’or, a new Italian restaurant with bold ideas and great food, and Hidden Tearooms, where I’ve offered to help make them a little less hidden! These visits are part of my ongoing support for our town centre and independent local businesses - essential for community life and economic growth. It's great to see confidence returning and investment coming in to Stockton.

Improved Access to Dentists

I raised Stockton’s dental shortage in Parliament - an issue affecting far too many families. I welcomed the 4,000 new appointments allocated to our area, but called for the roll-out to be accelerated. Fair access to NHS dentistry is a fundamental part of rebuilding our health services and tackling health inequalities.

Jobs, Industry and Skills

Minimum Wage Rise

This month, over 150,000 workers across the North East saw their pay rise - including 7,000 in Stockton North - as the minimum wage increased under this Labour Government. That means more money in the pockets of families and a stronger, fairer economy. It's a clear example of how we’re breaking the cycle of low pay and delivering on our pledge for economic security.

Securing the Future of Hitachi

Since last summer, I’ve worked with unions and successive Transport Secretaries to support Hitachi’s factory in Newton Aycliffe. The announcement of a new £300 million contract to build trains for Grand Central secures jobs, skills and local supply chains - benefitting many across Stockton North.

Carbon Capture Project Progress

I visited Hartlepool Pipe Mill to see the first steel pipes produced for the UK’s carbon capture network - £4 billion of investment made possible by this Government. This is industrial policy in action: delivering skilled jobs, cutting emissions, and supporting Teesside's leadership in net zero.

Teesside Maritime Cluster

This month I met with leaders from the Teesside Maritime Cluster and pledged to support their efforts in unlocking the potential of the River Tees. With the right backing, this could drive investment, skills and job creation across our region.

Building Homes and Skills

I welcomed the Government’s announcement that we will build 1.5 million homes across the country. This will be matched with skills training for 60,000 new construction workers - a key pledge from Labour and essential to getting Britain building again.

Tees Valley Youth Orchestra – Spring Concert

It was a real privilege to attend the Tees Valley Youth Orchestra’s Spring Concert at Stockton Parish Church. Students from Year 7 to 13 delivered stunning solo performances, and the standing ovation they received was well deserved. A credit to the Tees Valley Music Service - and to our region.

School-Based Nursery Expansion

Bowesfield and Harrow Gate Primary Schools have secured funding to expand nursery provision from September, through a share of £37 million in capital investment. This will give more local children the best possible start and help parents balance work and family life.

Community

Port Clarence – Infrastructure and Connectivity

We’ve secured over £1 million to strengthen flood defences through the Holme Fleet River Restoration scheme, protecting homes and businesses in Port Clarence. A new bus route - won by Billingham South councillors Katie and Paul Weston - now connects residents to Stockton and North Tees Hospital. This is a lifeline for many, and if used well, can be expanded.

Wynyard – Infrastructure Improvements

I met with residents in Wynyard to discuss local development and infrastructure issues, including the urgent need for a safe crossing on the A689. Infrastructure that supports safe and sustainable communities is central to my local plan.

Constituency Surgery – Norton

I held my latest surgery in Norton, meeting residents face-to-face to discuss housing, healthcare, benefits and community concerns. I continue to hold regular surgeries across Stockton, Billingham and Norton to make sure every voice is heard.

Newtown Social Club – Working Towards a Solution

At a recent stakeholder roundtable, we brought together key partners, including the site owner, to begin shaping a solution to the long-standing issues caused by the derelict Newtown Social Club. I’ll continue to support residents in pushing for action.

Norton Men’s Shed

I visited Norton Men’s Shed, a fantastic space where men (and women!) come together to share skills, socialise, and support one another. These sheds are vital for wellbeing and community connection, and I’m proud to support them.

Stockton Cycling Hub

I spent time at the Stockton Cycling Hub, helping the team refurbish bikes to be donated to local charities and young people. This is a brilliant initiative for sustainability, inclusion and healthy living.

The Beeches Care Home – First of a Series

I visited The Beeches Care Home in Newtown - one of only two care homes in the Tees Valley to be accredited as ‘Veteran Friendly’. I also saw the development of a new End of Life unit. This visit marks the first in a series of care home visits I’ll be making across the constituency.

Westminster Update

Support for Veterans

One in 20 people in my constituency have served in our armed forces. In Parliament, I commended the work of the Royal British Legion in helping veterans into civilian employment and highlighted the valuable skills our service members bring to society.

Rail Services – Campaigning for Reliability

In Parliament, I raised the unacceptable state of Billingham’s train services, which are limiting people’s access to education and employment. Rail reform is a key national priority, and I’ll keep pressing for regional improvements.

River Tees – The Jewel in the Crown

In Parliament, I raised concerns about the 37% rise in sewage discharges into the River Tees over the last year. This is unacceptable. I’ll continue fighting for investment, accountability, and protection of a river that has shaped our communities and our identity.

If you have any issues or questions you’d like to ask, please feel free to contact me and my team by my email chris.mcdonald.mp@parliament.uk