News

Warm Spaces in libraries and hubs welcome residents

20 December 2022
More than 40 people have benefited from Warm Spaces that have been set up in Thurrock Council's libraries and hubs for the winter months.
Since Monday 28 November, 45 people have visited the free, safe and supportive Warm Spaces where they have been given free hot drinks, alongside accessing free wi-fi, computers, local information support and more.
Residents can access Warm Spaces between 2pm and 4pm on the following days:

Thurrock Council takes major step to financial recovery

19 December 2022
Today (19 December) Thurrock Council has announced another major step in plans to recover from its grave financial position.
The council's Interim Director of Finance has issued a 'Section 114 notice' to the council, which indicates that the authority will not be able to deliver a balanced budget from within existing resources this year and into next.

Partnership to support homeless residents marks one year in Thurrock

16 December 2022
A ground-breaking pilot scheme supporting homeless residents and those in temporary accommodation back into work has marked one year helping vulnerable people in Thurrock.
In December 2021, Thurrock Council launched the project with online crowdfunding platform Beam to help homeless residents access training and support, ensuring they can leave homelessness for good by securing stable jobs. So far:

Give a Gift is a wrap

9 December 2022
Thank you to everyone who donated a Christmas present to this year's Give a Gift.
Cllr Barry Johnson, Cabinet Member for Children and Education said: "It is due to the public's generosity that this project is a great success and we ensure that Thurrock children in need have a present to open on Christmas morning. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, to everyone who has donated via the Amazon Wishlist or at one of our drop of locations this year.

Developing proposals for the future of Blackshots estate

7 December 2022
Proposals for a brighter future for the Blackshots estate in Grays will be developed while essential work takes place immediately to improve the three 11-storey tower blocks.
Thurrock Council's Cabinet approved plans to create proposals – in consultation with residents – that could see the estate redeveloped. Cabinet also approved plans to carry out essential repairs on the existing building.

Council to help deliver Thames Freeport benefits for Thurrock

7 December 2022
Thurrock Council is to have a key democratic voice in ensuring Thames Freeport delivers on its ambitions as a member of the Thames Freeport Governance Board (TFGB). Cllr Mark Coxshall, Leader of Thurrock Council, will now sit on the board and bring local residents to the centre of discussions around the Freeport.
Thames Freeport is set to create 21,000 new jobs, put £2.6billion a year into the UK economy, attract £4.6billion in investment and see 1,700 acres of land developed.

Council awarded possession of property from anti-social tenant

2 December 2022
Thurrock Council has regained possession of a council property linked to a tenant who is serving a 28-month prison sentence for supplying Class A and Class B drugs.
On Thursday 12 May 2022, Mr Jean Claude Wembo, from South Ockendon, was sentenced to 28 months after being convicted in supplying Class A and Class B controlled drugs, including cocaine and cannabis, and possession of Class B drugs (cannabis).

Community minibus unveiled in Aveley

1 December 2022
A new community minibus – which has already supported more than 200 people and benefited numerous organisations – has been unveiled during a special ceremony.
On Thursday 24 November, Thurrock Council's Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities, Cllr Qaisar Abbas, was joined by Cllr Colin Churchman, ward councillor for Aveley and Uplands, the Aveley Village Community Foundation’s chair, Alan Field, volunteers Grahame Ward and Lisa Clancy, and a Community Liaison officer from the council to officially unveil the new Aveley Village Community Foundation Community Minibus.

New leadership outlines full financial position for first time

29 November 2022
A report going to next week's Cabinet meeting will outline the council's current financial position and provide details of the full extent of the challenge it faces for the first time.
The report shows that the council faces a grave financial situation this year (2022/23) with expected investment losses totalling £275.4 million and a further £129.2 million being set aside to repay investment debt contributing to a total in year funding gap of £469.6 million, before mitigation.

Support for local community events to spread Christmas joy

24 November 2022
Thurrock Council is supporting multiple Christmas community events taking place this November and December across the borough.
The council, working in partnership with Thurrock Community and Voluntary Services (CVS), has provided funding to the Small Sparks Festive Fund. This fund aims to support projects or events during the festive season including:

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