News | Thurrock Council

Final properties handed over at Claudian Way

23 February 2021

Twenty-two Thurrock households have been given the keys to high-quality, affordable council homes in the final handover phase of Thurrock Council's Claudian Way development.
The keys to the remaining council homes at Chadwell St Mary were handed over to Thurrock residents this month, as part of the council's £32million investment in new council homes for affordable rent for people on the borough's housing register.

Last chance to register for housing development pilot

19 February 2021

Small, local builders are encouraged to register to take part in a pilot scheme unlocking housing development opportunities with Thurrock Council before applications close in 2 weeks' time.
The initiative, launched by Local Partnerships, will close on Friday 5 March 2021. It aims to provide support to small, local businesses during the planning application process and offer eligible businesses the chance to work with the council delivering high-quality housing within the borough.

Avoid the A13 this weekend ahead of closure

19 February 2021

A section of the A13 between the A128 junction (Orsett Cock roundabout) and the A1014 junction (Stanford-le-Hope) will be closed this weekend.
The closure takes place from 9pm, Friday 19 February until 5am on Monday 22 February. Traffic will be diverted via the A1013 Stanford Road. Non-local traffic is urged to consider using alternative routes such as the A127.
Drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible and measures will be put in place to help keep local traffic on the move.

Increased focus on social care thanks to future financial plans

12 February 2021

Thurrock Council's Cabinet has proposed an increase in Council Tax to help ensure that social care and services to help those hit hardest by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic are protected.
The current proposals are for an increase of 1.99% on Council Tax and a 3% increase on the Adult Social Care precept.
Cllr Shane Hebb, Cabinet member for finance, said: "The increase we are proposing to put before full Council later this month amounts to 99p a week for 70% of the borough’s households; and of that 67p will go directly to providing adult social care.

Waste collections during freezing weather

11 February 2021

Following snow and freezing conditions this week (8-12 February), there has been disruption to household refuse collections which has meant that bins and waste has not been collected from many homes in Thurrock.
Cllr Aaron Watkins, Cabinet member for environment, said: "The conditions this week have meant we needed to take a tough decision to temporarily suspend waste collections to prioritise staff safety. Attempts which were made were not possible, with instances of the lorries skidding over ice.

Eligible children to get free school meals during February half term

11 February 2021

All children eligible for free school meals in Thurrock schools will once again be supported throughout the upcoming February half term with each receiving a weekly £15 supermarket voucher.
Cllr Andrew Jefferies, Cabinet member for education, said; "For two weeks in December last year, the council supported thousands of eligible children across the borough with free school meals, and I am proud to say that we are once again delivering on this promise during February half term this year.

Thurrock and Basildon to work together on local government proposals

11 February 2021

Basildon and Thurrock councils will consider signing a Memorandum of Understanding, confirming their intentions to work more closely when proposing future governance arrangements for the boroughs of Basildon and Thurrock.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sets out guidance for how the two councils will work together over matters related to Local Government Reform – the reorganisation of local government that was delayed last summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

National Apprenticeship Week 2021

9 February 2021

Monday 8 February to Sunday 14 February is National Apprenticeship Week, promoting the many benefits apprenticeships offer to people of all ages through valuable qualifications and work experience.
Cllr Andrew Jefferies, Cabinet member for education, said: "Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for young people to earn while they learn and progress towards developing a rewarding career.

Plans for Joint Committee further confirm shared ambitions for south Essex

5 February 2021

The Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA) is discussing proposals for the formation of a Joint Committee to further its aims of achieving investment and growth for the region.
ASELA has already outlined its ambitious plans to government and this proposal will further confirm its shared intent, if agreed by its member councils.

Proposed change to home care service charges

3 February 2021

Papers published for February's meeting of Thurrock council's Cabinet (Wednesday 10 February) contain proposals for an increase to the full hourly charge for domiciliary care services in Thurrock in order to secure the future of the service and increase pay to care providers.