News | Thurrock Council

Find out about becoming a childminder in Thurrock

18 September 2020

Residents interested in starting a career as a childminder can access a free online information session this October.
Cllr Andrew Jefferies, Cabinet member for education, said: "Childminding is a career that provides rewarding opportunities to work with children and their families. As a childminder you will be supporting children in their important early years development and providing an exciting start to their adventures in life.

Proposals to tackle youth violence and vulnerability

17 September 2020

Thurrock Council's Cabinet has approved plans to take a public health approach to tackling the issue of youth and gang violence in the borough.
The approach will see this type of violence – most usually associated with gang crime and county-line drug dealing operations – tackled in the same way as an infectious disease, through prevention, intervention and recovery.

Closing the gap

17 September 2020

Like councils across the United Kingdom, Thurrock Council's Cabinet has discussed the future financial challenges ahead as it begins to plan to shape budgets for a post-lockdown world.
Modelling completed by the council indicates there is a budget gap of around £19m to close. Financial pressure has been caused by a variety of factors, including COVID-19 spending pressures and loss of earnings over the last 6 months, along with a pause to the investment approach.

Council performance remains strong throughout pandemic

17 September 2020

A quarterly report has highlighted the outstanding work of council workers during the coronavirus pandemic as it reveals that two-thirds of services achieved their performance targets during the height of 'lockdown' in April to June this year.
Cllr Deborah Huelin, Cabinet member for central services, said: "This report presents an impressive picture of how our staff have gone above and beyond during a time of great uncertainty and continued to deliver excellent services for our residents.

Recycling scheme rolls out in flats

14 September 2020

Plans to offer recycling facilities to residents living in blocks of flats across Thurrock will commence this month under a new initiative to boost recycling rates, which has been ongoing over the previous 2 years.
From Tuesday 15 September, Thurrock Council will roll out recycling facilities to high-rise and low-rise blocks throughout 2020 and 2021, a project approved within the capital plans 2020.

Council to bid for share of affordable homes boost

10 September 2020

Thurrock Council has welcomed a government announcement that councils can soon submit bids for a portion of a £12billion Affordable Homes Programme.
The council intends to apply for the investment to create more much-needed affordable housing for residents across the borough. The initiative, which represents the highest single funding commitment to affordable housing in a decade, was presented as part of the government's 2020 budget in March.

Long-standing panto postponed

8 September 2020

Thurrock's annual pantomime has been postponed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Thurrock Council's Thameside Theatre in Grays, and production company Polka Dot Pantomimes, made the difficult decision to postpone this year's panto, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Tickets that have already been purchased for the 2020 performance will be refunded automatically, and customers will be contacted by the Thameside Theatre box office during the next few weeks.

Free private fostering workshops

7 September 2020

If you are looking after a child on behalf of a friend or family member, you may need to let us know. You may also be entitled to a range of support.
A series of online private fostering workshops will take place in the coming months, offering advice and guidance to members of the public, volunteers and professionals.

Second interim injunction to protect green belt land at Buckles Lane

4 September 2020

Thurrock Council has been granted a second interim High Court injunction preventing any further unauthorised development on green belt land south of Buckles Lane, South Ockendon.
The latest interim injunction was granted and confirmed after court hearings which took place on Friday 21 August and Tuesday 1 September. A similar interim injunction is already in place protecting more than 100 acres of green belt land north of Buckles Lane and south of Mollands Lane.

Corporate Director of Adults, Housing and Health to leave in 2021

4 September 2020

Roger Harris, Corporate Director of Adults, Housing and Health at Thurrock Council, has decided after 13 years' service in Thurrock and 40 years working in health and social care to have an agreed and planned exit from the council. He will leave in March 2021 to pursue other outside interests. Recruitment is underway to appoint a successor in due course.