Visitor information hub to close amid drive to balance budget
Stockton Council has confirmed the Enjoy Stockton visitor information centre will be closed "as soon as is practical" as the authority accelerates efforts to reduce spending over the next three years. The move places two full‑time posts at risk, with a 30‑day consultation under way to look at possible redeployment for the affected staff.
The centre, which the council says draws around 15,000 visitors a year, is among the latest changes in a savings programme designed to address rising financial pressures. Officials estimate a budget gap of £6.7m in the current year, increasing to £18.4m by 2028–29, despite £9.9m already taken out of costs.
“We’re making savings where we can but some of these decisions are difficult,” said deputy leader Paul Rowling. “It’s not really what a lot of people come into public service to do, to make savings.”
Printed communications cut as authority shifts to digital
Alongside the visitor centre closure, the council will stop publishing its Stockton News newsletter as part of efforts to scale back printed material used to communicate with residents. This change is expected to save about £83,000 each year, with the authority stating it will move to a more digital‑first approach and rely more heavily on social media for updates and service information.
The council says the most substantial savings this year will come from a broad review of everyday spending across departments, including agency staffing, overtime and casual labour, mileage and travel, recruitment and training costs, room hire, callout arrangements, printing and stationery. This review is forecast to reduce costs by around £507,000 in the current year and approximately £482,000 in each of the following two years.
What changes residents and visitors can expect
- The Enjoy Stockton visitor information service will close once operational arrangements are in place, following the staff consultation.
- Printed council communications will be scaled back; residents should expect more updates via the council’s website and social media channels.
- Non‑essential spending across services is being tightened to meet savings targets, which may alter how some services are delivered.
While the council has not given a definitive closure date for the centre, it has indicated the change will happen as quickly as practicable once the consultation concludes and redeployment options are explored. The authority stressed that information for visitors will continue to be available through digital platforms and existing online listings.
Financial context and where the savings are targeted
Like many local authorities, Stockton faces persistent cost pressures from inflation, workforce costs and rising demand for services. The latest measures follow a series of savings already achieved. Council leaders argue that further steps are required to stabilise the medium‑term financial plan through to 2028–29.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Budget gap (this year) | £6.7m |
| Projected gap by 2028–29 | £18.4m |
| Savings already delivered | £9.9m |
| Annual saving from reduced print | £83,000 |
| Corporate spend review (this year) | £507,000 |
| Corporate spend review (next two years, each) | £482,000 |
In explaining the choices, Cllr Rowling said leaders had been examining areas where relatively small changes could have larger impacts on the bottom line. He added that the work to find efficiencies would continue across the organisation:
“We talked about how we can get low spends and the highest outcomes and I think there’s evidence across the council of us really trying to achieve that.”
Impact on tourism and local businesses
The visitor information centre has acted as a face‑to‑face point for people seeking guidance on attractions, events and local amenities. Its closure is likely to shift enquiries to online channels and partner organisations. Businesses that rely on visitor footfall may need to adapt by strengthening their own digital listings and ensuring information is easily accessible to people planning trips to the borough.
Residents and traders who previously used the centre for leaflets or event promotion will now have to rely more on the council’s digital notices and social media feeds. The council has not detailed any replacement physical provision, but has signalled that information will continue to be publicised through its online services.
What happens next
The consultation period for the affected staff runs for 30 days, during which redeployment possibilities will be considered. The council says operational planning for the closure is already in train. No further frontline service reductions were announced alongside these specific measures, although the broader review of spending will continue through the financial year.
Residents can keep track of service changes and updates via the council’s digital channels. Those without easy internet access may wish to check information points at libraries or contact council customer services by phone for assistance with tourism queries and event information.
