News | Thurrock Council

Thurrock Council backs the creation of a new Mayoral authority for Greater Essex

18 September 2025

Thurrock Council endorsed the creation of a new Mayoral authority for Greater Essex at its Cabinet meeting on 17 September - a landmark step that could see more powers, funding, and decisions made closer to the people of Thurrock and Greater Essex, which will bring significant benefits to local residents.
Benefits can include:

Celebrating global learning: Cllr Vikki Hartstean visits William Edwards School following prestigious international award

16 September 2025

Cllr Vikki Hartstean, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Community Safety at Thurrock Council, visited William Edwards School in Stifford Clays, Grays, to celebrate its recent achievement of the Intermediate level of the British Council’s prestigious International School Award.
The award recognises the school’s outstanding commitment to embedding international learning into its curriculum and fostering global citizenship among its students.

Some council housing rent direct debit payments will be delayed

12 September 2025

We’re very sorry to report that due to a technical issue, some council tenants will experience a delay in their direct debit payments for rent being taken.
If you normally pay your rent by direct debit on the 15th of the month, your rent will not be taken from your accounts on Monday 15 September 2025. The council is working hard to resolve the problem and the money will be taken as soon as possible.

Have Your Say: Play areas, parks, highways, jobs, and cleaner transport for Thurrock – surveys closing soon

12 September 2025

Thurrock Council is inviting residents to share their views on a range of local issues that touch everyday life across the borough – from how our parks and play areas are improved, to the state of our roads, to future job opportunities and plans for cleaner travel. Each survey is quick and easy to complete and gives you the chance to Have Your Say and influence real decisions in Thurrock.
Here are all the open surveys right now, with links so you can click through and take part:
Have your say on HGV restrictions in Thurrock

Proposal for four new councils in Greater Essex published

10 September 2025

Thurrock Council has published its full proposal for changes to future local government in Essex as the deadline looms for all county local authorities to submit their own ideas to ministers.
At next week’s Cabinet meeting, Thurrock’s most senior councillors will have the opportunity to endorse a proposal which is focused on creating four new unitary local authorities in Essex, with value-for-money, financial stability and keeping decision-making close to communities at its core.

Cabinet to consider proposals to sell council owned shopping parades

9 September 2025

Proposals to sell 14 shopping parades currently owned by Thurrock Council will go to Cabinet for a decision next week.
If approved 200 year leases would be sold for the ground floor shopping units while the council would retain freehold ownership of the buildings and council flats that are above the shops.
The sale would not affect current leases shop owners have, they will pass to the new owner and remain in place with the same conditions for the duration of the lease. Flats will continue to be owned by the council and tenants will not be affected by the sale in any way.

Young people lead powerful foster care training for Thurrock carers

9 September 2025

On 1 September, three of Thurrock’s care-experienced young people led a powerful and moving Power of Participation workshop for foster carers, sharing their personal journeys through the care system.
The session, attended by foster carers, fostering management, Participation and Engagement Officers, and a Care Experienced Personal Advisor, focused on what it’s really like to come into foster care.

New licence scheme gives greater protection for tenants and residents

5 September 2025

A new licensing scheme which will ensure better conditions for those living in smaller houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) will come into force on Sunday (7 September) in Thurrock.
Under the new scheme, landlords of properties housing three or four unrelated people from two or more households must now apply for a licence. Previously only homes with five or more people living in them needed a licence.

Statement on informal flag flying and road markings

5 September 2025

The council recognises the importance of celebrating our national identity, which we do appropriately by flying the St George flag year-round at the council, and celebrating key dates in our proud history, like VE Day.

Thurrock commemorates Merchant Navy Day

4 September 2025

Thurrock Council marked Merchant Navy Day by raising the Red Ensign Flag at the Town Hall, Grays, on Wednesday 3 September. The event was led by Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Sue Shinnick and honoured the dedicated men and women of the Merchant Navy, past and present.
The day opened with a prayer and speech from the Mayor of Thurrock then closed with a message from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Lynn Worrall. Many were in attendance including the Merchant Navy Association as well as some veterans, and councillors.