News | Thurrock Council

Thurrock's Care Leavers enjoy a community Christmas celebration

8 January 2026

Care leavers in Thurrock were able to celebrate Christmas Day at the new Stanford-le-Hope Aftercare Hub and Children’s Centre, thanks to the incredible generosity of local businesses, charities, and volunteers.
The event, which aimed to make sure no young person spent Christmas alone, brought together 20 care leavers to enjoy the festive celebration with volunteers from Thurrock Council.

Thurrock Council welcomes funding boost which is supporting young people

7 January 2026

Young people in Thurrock are benefitting from major investment which has been secured to create new opportunities, improve wellbeing, and help prevent youth crime and anti-social behaviour.
It’s been six months since the Active Essex Foundation secured a groundbreaking three-year partnership through the London Gateway Freeport Community Investment Fund (LFGCIF), helping expand its support for young people in Thurrock and Thames Estuary communities as part of the Sport and Life Skills prevention and intervention projects.

Adam Buxton shines a light on the need for more foster carers in a new documentary

6 January 2026

A new mini documentary has launched, following writer, comedian and family man Adam Buxton as he visits two local authority foster families in the East of England. Approaching fostering from the perspective of someone who “doesn’t know anything about children in care”.

Over cups of tea, emptying the dishwasher, Top Trumps, a dog walk and a kick-about in the garden, Adam asks Gary and Catherine the kinds of questions people often have when first considering fostering.

Thurrock’s councillors to discuss response to Government regarding election postponement

5 January 2026

Two extraordinary meetings have been arranged to discuss Thurrock Council’s response to the Government, which has asked for views on the merits of postponing the planned May 2026 local elections in areas where local government reorganisation (LGR) is underway.

New Year, New Start: Thurrock residents encouraged to get early support to stop smoking

5 January 2026

As residents across Thurrock make New Year resolutions to improve their health, Thurrock Council is encouraging anyone who wants to stop smoking to get support early by registering online for its free Help to Stop Smoking service.
The service is delivered by the council’s Health Trainer Service and is designed to support residents from the very start of their quit journey. Getting help early can make a significant difference, particularly during the first few weeks when cravings and relapse risk are highest.

Brisbane House, Tilbury - first households to move back in before Christmas

19 December 2025

We have been working with flood recovery specialists, though our insurer, to get the building ready for residents to move back in as quickly as possible and good progress has been made with completing works and carrying out safety checks in flats and communal areas safety checks.
With electricity and running water restored throughout the building and one of the lifts now repaired and fully working, we have been able to arrange for the first households to move back into their homes before Christmas.

Christmas message from the Leader

19 December 2025

Dear residents,
As 2025 draws to a close, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas, and a happy and healthy new year, and thank you for your contribution to our borough this year.
Back in May, I was proud to take over from Cllr John Kent as Leader of Thurrock Council, and continue the important work to get Thurrock Council back on its feet so it can properly support you, the residents we are here to serve.

Thurrock Council approves draft budget for public consultation

19 December 2025

Thurrock Council’s Cabinet met on Wednesday 17 December 2025 and approved draft budget proposals for the next financial year, which will now go out to public consultation.
The proposals include a council tax increase of 2.99%, alongside a further 2% adult social care precept. This approach reflects the position facing most councils across the country.

Grays shop selling illicit tobacco products forced to close

19 December 2025

Thurrock Council has secured a closure order against a Grays shop after it repeatedly sold illicit tobacco and vaping products, despite previous enforcement action.
Shelby Vapes, 13 Clarence Road, Grays, will not be allowed to open or trade for three months following a ruling by Southend Magistrates Court on Tuesday 16 December 2025.

Thurrock Council welcomes peer feedback and sets out next steps to strengthen housing services

18 December 2025

Thurrock Council has welcomed the findings of the Local Government Association’s Social Housing Peer Challenge and an external review of its 30‑year Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan.
The peer team recognised the dedication of housing staff, the progress already being made through our improvement programme, and the renewed focus on putting tenants at the heart of decision‑making.
The review noted that the service is already implementing a detailed programme of improvements across departments and is strengthening tenant and resident engagement.