The Teesside Freeport project, overseen by Tory Mayor Ben Houchen, has come under scrutiny due to alleged financial mismanagement. The South Tees Development Corporation, a taxpayer-owned entity, is accused of spending £20 million to buy back its own rubble from Teesworks, a private company. Additionally, legal disputes between Houchen and PD Ports could cost the taxpayer around £10 million. The government review has revealed that £124 million has been funneled into the pockets of businessmen without any substantial investment in return. The project has faced criticism from various sources, including politicians and media outlets.
Another week, another damning verdict on Ben Houchen’s South Tees Development Corporation. Millions spent on an ill-conceived dispute against PD Ports, which it lost this morning. Here’s how @PrivateEyeNews covered the case a year ago - https://t.co/AaHnyFyUDq
£4.9m seems to be the legal bill of PD Ports. Presumably, the costs of the South Tees Development Corporation are of the same order. If so, it’s the public purse, the taxpayer tipping up for around £10m….FOR WORSE THAN NOTHING!! Presumably, Lord Houchen will blame me. https://t.co/9UT6GYddAw
WOW TEESSIDE FREEPORT After the appalling review last wk- further investigation needed - in spite of Tory spin! Tory Mayor Ben Houchen has lost a legal case where he tried to deny rights of access to PD Ports. It'll likely cost the taxpayer c £5 million in legal costs! https://t.co/zM8LZujm7Z
Despite Juliet Samuel’s feeble defence of Teesside in the Times, the government review is a damning indictment of the freeport project, which has funnelled £124m into pockets of businessmen – in return for no investment. Read the real story, plus new revelations, in the new Eye. https://t.co/VrWApwCSI3
Teesside Freeport SCANDAL LATEST @rbrooks @PrivateEyeNews 🔹South Tees Development Corp (taxpayer owned) run by Tory Mayor Ben Houchen did deal with 🔹Teesworks (90% private) to buy back its own rubble at a cost of £20 MILLION 🔹Something stinks? @AndyMcDonaldMP ⏬️ https://t.co/ecrFqQwXal