Public Question Time: February 2025 - Questions and Answers | Improvement

Next Public Question Time event: Wednesday 25 June: 6pm to 8pm - Tilbury Community Association, Civic Square, Tilbury, RM18 8AA. Book your place

As a Council, we are doing more to engage with our residents directly, creating opportunities for you to speak to us face to face more often.

Throughout 2025 we will have lots to say, and importantly, we will want to know what is on your minds, what you think of our plans and what ideas you have to make Thurrock an even better place to live, work and visit.

On 25 February 2025 we held our second ‘Ask the council’ Public Question Time.

Below are the questions posed to our Elected Members and Council Senior Leadership Team, and our responses.

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Question time responses: 25th February 2025

Education

1. What support/youth services are available for teenagers wanting to have job experience, what programmes are available?

Earlier this year we held a really successful jobs and apprenticeship fair at the Thameside Theatre, which over 500 people attended and had the chance to meet employers. It was great and we’re really pleased that there’s another event coming up on 11 March again at the Thameside, this time with a focus on green skills and construction. We have a small team at the council that’s dedicated to working with young people and adults helping them development skills and helping them secure employment. The Inspire Employability and Skills service provides employment support to young people and adults from two locations - Grays and Tilbury. Inspire will offer careers advice, help with CV and job search as well as looking for work experience opportunities. We also have 'Thurrock Works' which is a service funded by UK Shared Prosperity Fund to offer support to all residents in finding employment.

The Inspire Employability and Skills service provides employment support to young people and adults from two hubs in Thurrock; Grays and Tilbury. Inspire will offer careers advice, help with CV and job search as well as looking for work experience opportunities if needed 'Thurrock Works' is a service funded by UK Shared Prosperity Fund to offer support to all residents in finding employment. For more information visit: Learn about the Inspire Hub | Thurrock

2. How does the local authority ensure that the process for issuing fines for unauthorised absences, including family holidays, sickness, and other exceptional circumstances, is applied fairly and consistently, especially when schools are requiring proof of sickness and asking for GP visits—despite NHS guidance on school sickness and the difficulty in accessing GP appointments—and are marking absences as unauthorised if proof is not provided?

We offer advisory meetings to all schools in Thurrock with our School Attendance Support Team. These are usually held each term, or less frequently if there are no concerns about attendance. At these meetings each school’s attendance management processes are reviewed.

Online Q and A and face to face sessions are also held throughout the year, these allow schools to come together to share good practice, refresh themselves with any updates and to answer any questions in respect of their processes. This is well received by schools and encourages consistency of practice across the borough.

Every year we prepare an annual report which gives data on referrals received, the numbers of Penalty Notice applications, Elective Home Education and prosecution referrals received from each school. Any concerns around practice would be identified within this report and discussed with the school directly and escalated as appropriate. Data on Penalty Notices is also reported to the Department of Education in a statutory annual return.

School’s may ask for medical evidence to support a child’s absence, this is normally when there have been a high number of absences due to illness. There is no guide for when schools can or should ask for medical evidence, that is down to each schools’ own attendance policy. Thurrock Council does not have any influence over these policies other than offering advice and guidance. In most cases the request for medical evidence is to help the school identify any adjustments or support they could provide to enable the child to return to school and improve attendance. Evidence could include proof of a medical appointment, or a copy of a prescription in the child’s name. In cases of long term absence they may ask for a letter from the child’s doctor explaining the illness and how the school could support the child to enable attendance including applying for medical tuition if required.

On occasion the school may be concerned with the authenticity of the absence, in these cases they may ask for evidence. It’s acknowledged that for some illnesses it may be difficult or not necessary to visit the doctor e.g. Norovirus. However, for multiple absences for the same issue it is reasonable to expect that medical attention has been sought to see if there is an underlying cause. The decision on whether or not an absence is authorised rests with the school, not the local authority.

Thurrock does follow the Department for Education’s National Framework for issuing penalty notices for school absences, you can view more information about this within our Code of Conduct. This Code has been approved by our legal services who can also be contacted should any advice be needed.

For unauthorised leave of absence (i.e. Term time holidays) the School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024 make it clear that Headteachers should not be authorising term time holidays unless in exceptional circumstances. It is up to the Headteacher to determine if there are ‘exceptional circumstances’, there is no set definition of what this could be.

3. What are the SEND provisions in the borough?

There are three Special Schools in the Borough for pupils with SEND.

Treetops School 318 places for pupils with Learning Difficulties and Autism
Treetops Free School 147 places for pupils with Learning Difficulties and Autism
Beacon Hill Special School 75 places for pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties

In addition there are 12 Mainstream Nursery and Primary Resource Bases for pupils with SEND and a further 4 Mainstream Secondary Resource Bases for pupils with SEND.

There is one Secondary Alternative Provision for 85 pupils who are not in mainstream school provision and who may have additional SEND needs in the area of social and mental health needs . There are two Primary Inclusion bases with a total of 16 places providing Alternative Provision for pupils not in mainstream school provision and who may have additional SEND needs in the area of social and mental health needs.

Road safety

4. What is the easiest way to report potholes or damaged road, we are getting quite a lot of those recently?

If you spot any damage or potholes, you can report this on our website. This will help us know where they are. If you do report a pothole on the website, you’ll also be kept up to date with progress on its repair - Report potholes | Potholes | Thurrock Council

5. Tilbury Asda roundabout - has the council and Highway England come to an agreement on when the Asda roundabout can be resurfaced?

This roundabout is not one of the roundabouts managed by us, so it’s not a decision we can make, unfortunately. The Asda roundabout is maintained by National Highways. If you spot any problems with and want to report any repairs issues on this section of road, you can get in contact with National Highways’ report a problem webpage : National Highways Report a problem.

6. How much of the Councils budget has been set aside for boroughs road repairs, including ongoing pot hole repairs. Is there any survey work being conducted to establish what and where our roads need either resurfacing or remediation. If not, why not? Roads in good repair is good for the economy, as many thousands of pounds are spend by road users to prop up the Government coffers. We deserve better roads now.

For the 2025/26 financial year we’ve increased road maintenance funding to a total of £3.8 million. We’re pleased to report that £2.5 million, which is 65% of the budget, has been earmarked specifically for fixing potholes and damaged roads.

But we know just patching potholes isn’t enough—that’s why we’re changing our approach. Instead of waiting for roads to fall apart and then fixing them, we’re investing in a long-term plan to resurface roads before they get too bad.

We’re putting money into long-term road improvements, including:

• £4.75 million for a five-year programme to resurface roads before they deteriorate.

• £2.25 million for carriageway micro-surfacing, which extends the life of roads and makes them less bumpy.

• £51,000 for a three-year pothole repair programme in car parks.

We’re also investing in major structure repair:

• £2.75 million to fix or replace the Orchard Road Footbridge in South Ockendon. This bridge, which goes over the C2C railway, is in critical condition and has been for some time. It’s a key route for residents, and we’re committed to making sure it’s safe.

We regularly survey our roads to check if they need maintenance:

• Regular Inspections: We check all roads at least once a year, and some busy roads every two months.

• Targeted Resurfacing: We fully resurface 30-40 roads a year, choosing the worst-affected ones with heavy traffic or bus routes.

• Public Feedback Matters: If you spot a pothole or road issue, you can report it online.

7. What About 20mph Speed Limits?

There’s no plan to make all roads 20mph, but in some areas—where local people have agreed to it—there are now 20mph zones. For example, some streets in Chadwell St Mary and other parts of the borough already have this limit.

We know residents want better roads, and we’re allocating more money in Thurrock to deliver them.

8. The Kara restaurant has requested planning permission to have another entrance/exit for cars visiting their establishment. Can a pedestrian crossing or some form of traffic control to slow down vehicles travelling on both sides of the road? Because a large percentage of drivers do not observe the 30mph speed limit at anytime when they enter to leave the district.

We do monitor Flemming Road regularly. It’s not currently identified as a road for adding a pedestrian crossing or other traffic management measures, but we will certainly continue to monitor it. Thank you for suggesting these options.

There’s a planning application on this site, which is live and this means it will be considered through the planning process and any impact on the roads will be factored into any decision on the application.

9. Why are HGVs with or without trailers allowed to park in the two emergency bays along Arterial Road West Thurrock (between Sainsbury's Roundabout and Chafford Hundred East road down to Marks). The mess they leave is disgusting, they are dirty, some drip oil, and frankly an eyesore, owners are using emergency bays for free parking, as far as I'm aware this is illegal, and the services are not far along the same road. Why are the owners allowed to get away with it.

We know this is a concern for residents and we will do everything we can do to make the problem better. Unfortunately, we’re limited in what we can do as there are no parking restrictions in place at this layby. That means, in effect, HGV drivers can stop legally here (provided they are parked lawfully).

If the drivers are parking with their wheels on the footpath or are obstructing, we will be able to take action.

Although there are no emergency bays along this stretch of carriageway, there is a lay by opposite Sainsburys, on The Arterial Road just past the bus stop heading towards Pilgrims Roundabout.

10. When will Thurrock council get a handle on Parking near Schools. This issue has been review and nothing has been done.

We know this is a concern to residents and we’re looking at finding a solution that works for all.

To help us develop the right approach we carried out a consultation in autumn last year, in which we asked local residents for their views of parking outside schools, how it impacted upon their lives, and what could be done to improve the issue.

The results were analysed and The final report can be found here: Microsoft Word - Place OS - 19 February 2025 - Appendix 2.

Using the findings of this consultation and working with partners we have a new Parking at Schools Toolkit which includes a list of different options for schools aimed at improving parking outside of schools and promoting active travel. We are hoping to identify a pilot school to work with to see which options works best, and we expect to have this up and running for the new school year.

Resident costs

11. We are paying both council tax and maintenance charge to the developer. It's nearly 10 years since we moved into these houses. At what point are the streets and parks handed over to the council?We don’t take control or ‘adopt’ all roads on new developments, so sometimes roads and their maintenance remain private. The adoption of highway infrastructure and open spaces depends on the specific circumstances of the area, and what has been agreed in a planning application.

Council finance and governance

12. Why does the council feel its acceptable to cancel our local elections and to increase council tax via a dodgy loophole? All while trying to cut as much services as possible.

By agreeing to be part of the Devolution Priority Programme, we, along with Essex County Council and Southend-on-Sea City Council, have agreed to seek to deliver devolution and reorganisation to the most ambitious timetable. The local elections, planned for May, would have made it impossible to meet the timelines set for us to achieve the huge advantages that devolution will bring for local people. Our focus will now be on creating a new Mayoral authority - with an election for a mayor to be held in 2026 - and new councils for our communities to elect councillors to.

With regards to increasing council tax and cutting service, we can assure that the council is making every effort to limit the impact of our financial pressures on residents, and protect frontline services. The council’s budget for 2025/26 was recently approved by full council, with a 4.99% council tax increase in line with most councils in the country.

13. Does Thurrock Council currently have a preferred supplier list (PSL) or contracts in place for recruitment services? If so, are you open to reviewing new suppliers for manpower provision in areas where there may be gaps or high demand?

We use a system call Matrix to supply our agency workers. Suppliers can join the list, through engaging with Matrix and in consultation with us.

Environment

14. Clearly the government is interested in the environment and "going green" a lot of attention is paid to electric cars but there is a lot of investment required and as well it is questionable as to how green electric cars are when one considers the sourcing of the constituent parts to make the batteries as well as issues with the life time of batteries. No one appears to be talking about the cycling as a means of getting from A to B in a environmentally friendly manner with the additional benefit of health benefits. What is the council doing to encourage cycling in the community? Do they recognise the benefits of cycling? does the person answering this question cycle to work, do they cycle at all?

It’s really important to the council that we support all the ways people can travel around the borough, and also encourage people to choose healthy, green ways to travel when they can. We know we need to do more to promote cycling locally, as we are below the regional average for people cycling to work. As we improve the local infrastructure and develop our plans to promote more active travel locally we’d be keen to hear from local people about how we can get more people walking and cycling in Thurrock.

Our new Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) looks at ways to encourage anyone heading out for a short local trip to leave the car at home and cycle or walk instead.

We have some government funding to help create better walking and cycling paths across the borough and we’re looking at how best to invest this.

15. There were a number of questions relating to street cleaning and safety, particularly in Stifford Clays and South Ockendon areas. These have been combined into the below answer:

We do our best to keep Thurrock’s streets clean and our street cleaners move across the borough; they clean the streets on a rota every two weeks. We’re able to monitor this as the cleaners send through photographs of where they’ve been working. On recent visits all the areas we’re responsible for were found to be clean and tidy in the Stifford Clays and South Ockendon areas.

If you spot any problems or have any specific concerns about a street or an area, you can report it to us on our website: Report it | Thurrock Council.

In terms of parking causing dangerous road conditions, we can look at introducing double line restrictions on junctions throughout Stifford Clays. Help up by identifying where, and email: TransportDelivery@thurrock.gov.uk The location will be reviewed and considered for future inclusion in the Parking Management programme.

16. I'd particularly like to know when the remains of the Jack o' Lantern will be demolished, it's a disgraceful eyesore.

The site of the former Jack O’ Lantern public house is owned by a small developer (rather than national housebuilder) and was granted planning approval in January 2025 for the redevelopment of the site to provide 17 apartments with parking, external amenity space and landscaping (ref: 24/00408/FUL). The site was unfortunately subject to an arson attack in November 2024; the Owner was quick to instruct contractors to rescue the site at that time.

Officers have previously been advised that the developer is keen to progress with the site in the near future and it is anticipated that details will be submitted to discharge conditions attached to the planning permission in the near future. Residents should be assured that the council is keen to see development commence on this site, to provide valuable new residential properties in a sustainable location close on a key site close to the commercial centre of South Ockendon.

17. Why is the Little Belhus country Park completion taking so long?

The restoration of country parks can take some time, given their history, nature and scale.

In the original planning permission, planning conditions provided for an end date by which works on site must cease. These planning conditions had a cessation date of 31 October 2021. An extension to December 2024 for importation was required as there have been several delays experienced on this project. These were initially as the result of COVID-19 and the staff shortage issues connected with furlough, lockdowns and self-isolation. The delays have been further impacted with a reduced available pool of material, and more recently a general slowing down of the construction sector and the need to be more selective in receiving suitable soils for the finishing landscape works. The restoration, in terms of planting, shall be completed in the first planting and seeding season following completion of the earth works.

18. Is there anything going to be done about the massive lorries that come through Aveley village from Ship Lane? b. Why has the building of the new crossing stopped? c. Will it ever be completed? If not, what will be done to compensate for all the money spent/wasted on it?

The Lower Thames Crossing is a national infrastructure project, and you can keep up to date with news about it at https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/lower-thames-crossing/ W We will work with National Highways (whose project it is) to ensure residents know what is planned in their area and across the borough, and to do everything we can to ensure residents’ voices are heard as the plans move forward

Only the police can stop lorries to check whether they are within the weight restrictions. Our trading standards team can assist but ultimately it will be the police who are able to stop the lorries and inspect them. We are however grateful for information on any potential problem areas so we can work with our partners in the police.

Enforcement

19. Unsociable behaviour!! Billet fields being used by Scramblers tearing up football pitches in area. I have made many calls to police without any attendance?! WHY? I have not had one response in 5 years?

We know that Billet Lane remains a hotspot for this sort of anti-social behaviour, which we work closely with Essex Police through the Community Safety Partnership to address. Essex Police’s response comes under their Operation Caesar deployments in which they tackle off road motorbike nuisance - including using quad bikes which are jointly funded by Thurrock Council.

We’re sorry to hear you’ve not received a response. In the weeks leading up to this question time, between 1st January 2025 and 4th February 2025, Essex Police received 8 calls in relation to 5 separate incidents, 4 out of 5 were attended by officers.

Essex Police are continuing to try and tackle this problem and officers do regularly deploy to the location. This will remain as a hotspot and they will be deploying regularly on the quad bikes over the coming weeks and providing a visible deterrent.

20. What is the council policy on people smoking weed in council homes?

We will treat any allegations of a tenant or their visitors smoking cannabis very seriously, a priority one case (drug use), and our Housing Anti Social Behaviour Team will deal with it. We will visit and if there is evidence of cannabis use, it will be judged a breach of tenancy conditions. Any criminal aspect of cannabis use as a controlled substance is dealt with by Essex Police.

21. Are there any plans to reduce/tackle cruising at night which causes a lot of noise pollution

We know there are problems with dangerous driving and racing on the roads here and we report this to Essex Police. To protect residents from the impacts of this behaviour, we have obtained a Public Space Protection Order In West Thurrock which prohibits:

Participating in car cruising activity as a passenger or driver of a vehicle within the area designated in the Public Spaces Protection Order
Congregating in the area to spectate cruising activity undertaken by vehicles in the area designated in the Public Spaces Protection Order
Allowing car parks to be used for the purpose other than being a patron of the premises

This protection order is enforced by Essex Police, alongside our enforcement team and other partners.

22. We have a serious problem with moped/quadbikes being driven illegally around the area. Especially on Heath field, over the bridge and across pedestrian footpaths leading around Woodside Academy. Reports to the police do little to stop this issue. They are rife at peak times of day when children are walking home from school and to after school clubs. It is a serious safety risk and I feel nothing more will happen until a child is seriously injured or worse. What more will you do to stop this?

We know Orsett Heath remains a hotspot for this sort of anti-social behaviour, which we work closely with Essex Police through the Community Safety Partnership to address. Essex Police’s response comes under their Operation Caesar deployments in which they tackle off road motorbike nuisance - including using quad bikes which are jointly funded by Thurrock Council.

We’ve also erected staggered barriers at King Edward Drive and west of Woodside school and put in bollards at various junctions along the way. There are barriers and bollards too at Chadwell park, and although they do not stop motorbikes, they do slow them down.

We did previously have a mobile camera placed at the junction of the bridleway and King Edward Drive, and we’ve asked our contractors to reinstate them. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to catch these bikes and to identify the riders wearing protective gear.

We also make sure PCSOs patrol the area around school times.

Planning

23. What provisions does the council have in place for residents who are interested in self-build homes. Is there a plan in place for such? and what is the plan? where do I go when I find a potential plot for self-build development?

The council supports residents interested in self-build and custom housebuilding; we have a statutory duty to maintain a Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Register and to grant enough development permissions for serviced plots to meet the demand shown on this register.

We don’t have a specific to Thurrock self-build plan, but we:

Keep an up-to-date Self-Build Register where individuals, groups, or associations can register their interest.
Grant sufficient permissions for serviced plots across the borough to meet demand within each 12-month base period (from 31 October to 30 October).
Monitor and report annually on permissions granted and any unmet demand.

If you’re interested in building your own home, you can register through the council’s website. If you’ve identified a potential plot, you can contact our planning department for guidance on how to proceed.

24. All the new proposed properties being built, are other facilities like doctors surgery's and more schools in the proposal?

When new housing developments are proposed, we have a legal duty to make sure things like schools, doctors' surgeries, transport, and other services are properly considered.

Thurrock’s planning policies require developers to include or help fund the right infrastructure—like new schools, health facilities, roads, and community spaces—as part of any major housing project. We’re clear that it’s not just about building homes, but also making sure the local area has the facilities it needs to support new residents.

25. Are there going to be substantial car parking spaces to accommodate the proposed new properties being built as well as health services etc.

Parking is carefully considered in new developments, and we use our Parking Design and Development Standards to make sure there’s enough parking for homes, visitors, and services like health centres. When a planning application is submitted, we work with our highways experts to check the layout and number of spaces and for major applications we work with other teams and experts to see if the area can cope with the current provision or if more infrastructure is needed. If a new development would have a big impact, the council can ask developers to provide extra parking or even help fund new facilities.

Thurrock Council - Parking Design and Development Standards, February 2022

26. Why are you allowing the M25 extension to Kent to cut Thurrock in half?

We have objected to the Lower Thames Crossing, but decisions on National Highways’ proposals are made by the UK government via the Secretary of State for Transport.

We will continue to advocate strongly for the local community and we will also continue to engage collaboratively with external stakeholders such as National Highways to limit any negative impact on residents and secure the best possible future for Thurrock.

27. How will the new changes to new building regulations affect refurbishment and extension of residential properties.

The introduction of the Building Safety Regulator and the Building Safety Act 2022 has introduced a number of changes to the Building Regulations and the Building Control profession.

Recent changes to building regulations, especially under the Building Safety Act 2022, mainly affect how energy-efficient your home needs to be and who’s responsible during the building process.

For extensions and refurbishments, the key change is around Part L, which now requires better insulation to improve energy efficiency. So if you're planning work on your home, you may need to meet stricter standards for things like walls, roofs, and windows.

The homeowner, designer and builder must all confirm they’re following the regulations properly. Gov.uk – Duty holder responsibilities

These changes mostly apply to new builds, but parts do affect home improvement projects too. For more details, you can check out the council’s guides on home extensions and renovations: Thurrock Council – Residential alterations and extensions

28. 7,000 new homes and still no police station.

On all planning applications we consider the need for infrastructure to support the new development. If we determine a specific need for new infrastructure, the developer will need to include this as part of their scheme. On all major schemes we consult with a range of consultees to ensure their needs are considered. The police are a consultee.

Transport

29. What does the council plan to do about the steep rise in prices from First Bus and Ensign? New fare prices make it almost impossible for families to travel by bus, without spending a fortune. The removal of child prices and family tickets make it more expensive, and with the hike in season tickets it's costing around £100 a month, per child, for children to travel to school.

We understand that rising bus fares are causing real concern for families, especially those who rely on public transport for school and work. Since Ensign Bus introduced their new fare system in January 2025, the council has received a number of complaints from residents about affordability—particularly around the removal of child fares and family ticket options.

Previously, Ensign and other local operators took part in the government’s £2 fare cap. However, this support ended in December 2024 and was replaced with a £3 cap from January 2025. Ensign contacted the council to explain that, due to a reduction in government funding and their shorter local routes, they couldn’t continue offering reduced fares without making a financial loss.

The council worked hard to try and extend the £2 fare cap using its Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding, but due to time constraints and limited resources, it wasn’t possible to keep the lower fare across all operators.

As a result, Ensign introduced a flat fare system with a “Tap & Cap” feature—similar to Transport for London. This means:

First journey of the day: £2.70
Second journey: £2.10
Maximum daily charge: £6.80
Maximum weekly charge: £30
(These caps apply only if you use contactless payment.)

Unfortunately, this system doesn’t currently allow for child fares, as their payment technology can’t distinguish between fare types. However, there is a young person’s digital ticket available through the First Essex app:

£25 for a weekly pass
£87.50 for a 4-week pass
These options are more affordable than paying daily fares.

We are continuing conversations with Ensign and other operators to explore ways to improve affordability and access.

30. What is happening with the rise in transportation prices for buses? What has the £2m budget been spent on? Why do we still have issues with the roads and disturbances of roadworks after a decade? What are the plans to increase extra curricular activities or space to do so for young people?

Please see response to Question above in relation to bus fares.

There is a constant need to maintain the network by the Highway Authority and Statutory Undertaker (e.g. Gas, Water etc..) perspective and this invariably leads to the need to install Traffic Management to allow the works to be undertaken in a safe manner for the workers and also road users. All works are co-ordinated and monitored to try and ensure that there is the minimum disruption to service users.

31. Why is it so expensive to send my child to school in Thurrock? With the cost of living its almost £100 a month to send my 14 year old boy to school, it's too far to walk and the roads are too dangerous because of the lorries and also my son is too scared to cycle because of the road users and lack of cycle lanes. I'm a London bus driver and kids under 18 get free travel because they are vulnerable and I cannot challenge them. It should be the same here to relieve pressure from hard working families.

Unlike London, where Transport for London centrally manages public transport and receives government funding to support free travel for under-18s, Thurrock’s bus services are operated commercially by private companies such as First Essex and Ensign. Unfortunately, therefore, the council does not have control over fare pricing or receive any revenue from ticket sales to subsidise travel for school-age children.

Currently, operators such as Ensign offer a young person’s weekly travel pass at £25 and a four-week pass at £87.50, which may offer some cost savings compared to daily fares. We know these costs put pressures on families and we’re looking at what we can do, through our Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), to support more affordable travel options where possible and where funding allows.

32. Are you going to put additional bus routes to places such as Brentwood, Basildon?

There are no immediate plans to introduce a new bus service connection from Thurrock into Basildon and Brentwood. The Thurrock Bus Service Improvement Plan identifies proposals to increase service levels of existing routes, but the council has not received sufficient funding to implement these services alongside meeting other local service priorities critical for residents of the borough.

33. Bulphan residents are unable to reach any medical services or enjoy any facilities within Thurrock, including schools as there is no transport now Brentwood are withdrawing the only bus to Brentwood. We contribute with Council tax but get nothing which other residents enjoy. This is impacting on our physical and mental health. What are you going to do about it?

Essex County Council have confirmed the 565 bus service, which serves Bulphan, will continue to operate. This service provides important links to West Horndon station and onward connections to facilities in Brentwood.

We’re continuing to engage with transport partners to explore options for improving public transport provision in rural areas such as Bulphan. While current services are limited, we recognise the need to improve access and are considering further solutions as part of our broader transport and infrastructure planning.

34. Why is the bus travel doubled an adult and child are paying the same price. Some days my kids can not go to school because I cannot afford the bus fare. Please I need to know where I can get support for this. Thanks for your support in advance.

Since the introduction of the new fare structure by Ensign Bus on Monday 20 January, there have been a number of comments and complaints received by the council. The bus operator had been in contact with the council prior to the introduction of the new fare structure, to explain its new approach. Ensign Bus were participating in the £2 fare cap, as were the other operators across the borough – First Essex, NIBS, and Central Connect. Support for the £2 fare cap ended on 31 December 2024, and a new £3 fare cap commenced as of 01 January 2025. The council was contacted by Ensign Bus in December 2024, informing about the challenges the new fare cap presented to them. This was based on a significant reduction in the financial support they would receive from the Department for Transport, and the size of their network and general length of their routes not being of sufficient length to charge £3. While significant effort was made to utilise the council’s BSIP funding to extend support to maintain the £2 fare cap until 31 March 2025, it was not possible given the short timescale and the level of funding required across all of the operators.

Given that a short-term solution was not able to be put into place, we understand that the bus operator needed to implement a new fare structure soon after the end of the £2 fare cap, as it could not continue to afford to operate at the reduced fares levels. As such, they have presented a new approach with a flat fare structure, which will present value for money for regular bus users. The bus company has implemented a “Tap & Cap” system, similar to that implemented on Transport for London services, whereby bus users will pay a maximum fare per day and per week, if using a payment/bank card. This new fare structure has a flat £2.70 first fare, a charge of £2.10 for the second fare, and a maximum daily charge of £6.80 or weekly charge of £30, regardless of how many journeys are made. Cash is still accepted on the bus, but these passengers are unable to take full advantage of the capped limits. It should be noted that this new fare structure is below the £3 capped fare rate promoted by the Department for Transport, and regular bus users will be able to benefit from these caps. As part of their business model, the operator has made this fare structure a flat structure for all users and are no longer offering a reduced child or young person’s fare. This is due to the limitations of the technology, which cannot differentiate between a reduced or full fare. Ensign Bus has however advised that a young person’s weekly or 4-weekly digital ticket still remains available at a charge of £25 per week or £87.50 for 4 weeks via the First Essex app. This presents a saving against both the “Tap & Cap” maximum fare and against the current national £3 fare cap.

35. Can Thurrock work with C2C on increasing the number of carriages during rush hour as new builds have and are increasing, yet we cannot get on the train and have to stand all the way due to the increase of residents. Also parking at the station has become an issue as well due to the increased number of new builds and influx of new residents, and you are planning on more new builds. Please can you comment?

There is a need to meet the housing needs of Thurrock. The amount of need is established using the National Standard method of calculating housing need. When considering planning applications for new housing the Council consult with stakeholders, such as Network Rail, and where possible we will collect a contribution towards meeting new infrastructure provision.

Housing and regeneration

36. Why are houses on Chafford being used for care in community housing with adults who are now out of the care system but moved back into local housing?

These houses are called 'supported accommodation'. Supported accommodation is a service that can be provided in a self contained unit or flat, but can also be provided in shared living also called a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

The houses that are used for supported accommodation in this area are standard residential properties.

The government defines supported accommodation as 'accommodation provided alongside support, supervision or care to help people live as independently as possible in the community'. The adults housed in these properties are supported to become active members of the communities in which they live.

37. Instead of building more estates have you considered turning empty shops into housing?

The Council’s new build programme builds on existing housing land owned by the Council such as open spaces or derelict garage areas, and we also regenerate existing housing stock when it has come to the end of its natural life (as we are currently doing at Blackshots and Teviot Avenue, Aveley). Although we have some shops on our housing estates, they are generally not suitable for conversion to housing and we try to ensure they have retail tenants at all times, which benefits local residents.

Private developers may apply to convert shops to housing, usually as part of a wider development proposal, and the Council’s planning team will treat each cases on its merits as such proposals would require a change in planning use. Whilst the Council wishes to see thriving town centres and promote commercial activity, if retail premises have stood empty for long periods then the Council will consider alternative use for them, including housing.

However, none of Thurrock’s Town Centres are currently considered to have a significant number of long-term vacant retail units. As part of the evidence base for the Local Plan the Council need to undertake a a review of ‘Thurrock Centres, Retail and Commercial Leisure Needs Assessment’. Among the outputs from this study will be provision of an up to date assessment for the centres, and also for Lakeside. This should indicate the vitality and viability of Thurrock’s existing designated town/local centres with an overview of current trading conditions and highlight any issues with vacancy rates. Consideration will also be given to Thurrock’s neighbourhood parades. The current expected completion date is summer 2025.

38. The original Stanford-Le-Hope train station is a site for sore eyes. A perfectly functioning working station building has been demolished and now the land is just a derelict site. Question: When will the debris be cleared and the site landscaped?

We know how anxious residents are to see progress on this scheme. It’s been delayed for far too long. The Council is committed to delivering the Stanford Le Hope Station. We are set to agree to a capital investment in the programme, that is money spent on its development, of £11 million. The original plans for the station were not realistic. We now believe we have a proper plan in place to deliver a station that works for residents and one that we can afford to build.

We’re working hard with our partners C2C and Network Rail to develop a scheme that will work. .

39. What is happening regarding building housing on Blackshots?

We are consulting on new proposals to redevelop the Blackshots Estate which could mean that no part of King George Playing Field is used for new homes.

Under previous proposals the three tower blocks - Keir Hardie House, Bevan House and Morrison House - were to be demolished and replaced with 258 new, modern and energy efficient homes in a series of medium-rise flat blocks and houses. In order to do this part of King George Playing Fields would be redeveloped as part of the new housing estate.

New proposals will mean that new homes could potentially be delivered by building on Chapel Farm, leaving King George Playing Field untouched. Keep up to date with updates on this project here: Blackshots Updates

40. Are you intending on building any new council properties / bungalow for older residents?

We do have plans in place to build new bungalows specifically designed for older residents. These will be part of our plans to increase the affordable housing provision within our community.

We are committed to ensuring that our developments meet the needs of all residents, and we will keep residents updated as these plans progress.

41. What is happening with “The State” cinema and can we please have a Wetherspoons pub?

The owners have been working towards compliance with the Urgent Works Notice that has been served upon them. As part of this process the Council chair a fortnightly meeting with the owner and Historic England. With respect to a planning application for the redevelopment of The State, the owner has been working positively on progressing this and it is understood an application will be submitted in due course.

The building was sold by JD Wetherspoon in 2023.

42. What is being done to make more public buildings like the new council offices and housing stock accessible to meet government guidance to part m and document m amendment standards?

We’re committed to making sure new council buildings and homes are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities or mobility challenges.

All new council homes must meet the latest building regulations, including Part M, which sets the standards for accessibility and usability. These requirements are built into the contracts we give to builders, so accessibility is considered from the very beginning of the process.

For existing council homes, we carry out aids and adaptations, like installing ramps, grab rails, stairlifts, or accessible bathrooms, when someone’s needs are assessed by an occupational therapist. This helps residents stay safe and independent in their homes.

43. Why does the council not do regular checks on privately rented properties in the borough, to make sure living conditions are up to code?

Myself and my family need a place to live, I have lived and worked in Thurrock all my life and feel let down, and paying extortionate rent for a house that is not up to code is angering me regularly.

We completely understand your frustration, and you're right to expect a safe and decent home.

There are around 17,000 private rented homes in Thurrock, and that number is growing. While we can’t check every home regularly due to the scale, we do take action in the following ways:

Responding to complaints – If tenants contact us with concerns, we investigate, visit the property if needed, and work directly with landlords to make sure the home is safe, warm, and in good condition.
Well Homes service – We have teams working in the community to support private renters and improve their living conditions, health, and wellbeing.
Financial Inclusion support – We also help residents access grants, improve energy efficiency, reduce bills, and get help with the cost of living.
Energy efficiency upgrades – We regularly promote and refer eligible homes to funding schemes that can improve heating and insulation.

Importantly, we’re also working to introduce a Selective Licensing Scheme for private rented properties. This means landlords would need to have a licence for each property, meet set safety standards, and could face financial penalties if they don’t comply. This scheme will help us crack down on poor housing and hold irresponsible landlords accountable. You can take part in the consultation about this scheme: Selective Licensing for Private Rented Properties

If you’re struggling with your current housing, or want to report unsafe conditions, please contact us,

44. What are home owners rights, when a property is rented and those residents are challenging and display threatening behaviour and have been charged with sexual offences? Why was residents our complaints being ignored and why are we not getting any help? We live in fear and our children are being affected and watched every time we leave or come home. How is the acceptable?

We’re truly sorry to hear how distressed you and your family are feeling. No one should have to live in fear in their own home, and the impact this is having, especially on your children, is deeply concerning. Your safety and peace of mind are important, and we want to reassure you that your concerns are being taken seriously.

As a landlord, the council has a duty to manage its properties and take action where tenants breach the terms of their tenancy—this includes anti-social or threatening behaviour. There are however legal limits on what we can share due to confidentiality and data protection laws, which can sometimes make it feel like nothing is being done, even when action is happening behind the scenes.

If you haven’t already, please report any incidents of threatening, harassing, or criminal behaviour directly to the police. They have the powers to act quickly and offer protection when needed. We also work with the police and other agencies where appropriate to deal with serious issues like this.

If you'd like us to open a formal case, we can look into possible breaches of tenancy and decide what action may be taken. Please contact us directly so we can talk through what’s been happening in more detail, including specific incidents and dates, which helps us to act more effectively.

We know this is an incredibly difficult situation, and we want to support you. Please don’t hesitate to call us on 01375 652 652 so we can offer further help and guidance.

45. With all the new housing being built and influx of more people will we get new schools, new GP surgeries and improvement to our atrocious roads? Also, would like to know about the money squandered by TBC.

It is the statutory duty and responsibility of the Council to assess proposals for new development including minor and major residential development. Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compensation Act 2004 requires that planning decisions be taken in accordance with the relevant adopted development plan unless material considerations dictate otherwise. In Thurrock, planning applications for new residential development are assessed against the statutory adopted land use plan ie the Amended Thurrock Core Strategy (adopted 2015). Policy CSSP3 Infrastructure requires the provision of new infrastructure, services and facilities together with enhancement of existing infrastructure as part of the delivery of new development, including residential. Policy CSSP3 Infrastructure of the Thurrock Core Strategy (page 41 of Core Strategy 2015) is supported by a whole range of additional Core Strategy policies requiring the provision of infrastructure, services and facilities (CSTP 9- CSTP 19) ranging from the provision of new emergency services and schools (primary and secondary) through to new transport infrastructure, together with community and health facilities including the Royal Opera House at Purfleet (completed in 2015)

Waste and recycling

46. Can green bins be collected every week?

We collect green and general waste fortnightly. The move to fortnightly collections brings us into line with many other local councils across the country, helps us make necessary financial savings and improve recycling rates across the borough.

47. Question on bins being left on the road and people with mobility issues struggle to retrieve them. Can this be rectified as it seems to be hit and miss?

Thank you for your question. We do provide an assisted bin collection service for residents whose disability or illness prevents them taking their bins to the kerbside, and who have nobody in their household who can do this. For more information visit: Help with your bins We hope this helps.

48. Whilst the street litter collectors in the Ockendon area are pretty good, the route between the Harris Academy and Derwent Parade that runs down Ernan Road is strewn with Greggs wrappers each and every day as the children walk to school. Is there any chance that this route could be cleaned more regularly, especially the greens on the corners of the roads where it accumulates?

Roads across Thurrock are visited by our street cleansers every fourteen days. We do not have additional resources to visit more frequently. Where we identify hot spots that require more regular visits we ask for operatives to spend more time here and less in cleaner areas, where possible. Additionally, the street cleaner may not be close to a hot spot so would not be able to visit on these occasions. The street cleanser for this area also covers roads as far as Cullen square and the bottom end of the Flowers estate in South Road.

We also have a single mobile driver who covers all of the shopfronts in Purfleet, Aveley and all of Ockendon as well as collecting all fly tips and emptying street bins. This driver can also monitor an area but this is alongside his duties already mentioned. The placing out of additional bins in this area will add to this drivers pressure to empty them.

Our Enforcement team may be able to visit this area at the peak times to observe and may be able to issue fines for littering.

Devolution and local government reorganisation

49. Why did the council request cancellation of Mays, borough wide, local elections?

A third of the councillors were elected a year ago knowing that they would be standing again this year, while others, who have will have done their 4 years this May will be staying on for longer than they were elected for.

If these were delayed because of cost, are we to say that there is a price of which democracy is worth, above that cost, is it a dictatorship?

As the timeframe it will take to complete the approval, discussions, and ultimately joining with another council/s, is unknown, is it possible that some councillors will be in there 7th year before being up for re-election?

We know there is some disappointment about the elections not going ahead this year, but unlike other parts of the country where elections were long-awaited, we have held local elections in Thurrock every year for the last four years. Under previous arrangements, when a third of local councillors were elected each year, there wouldn’t have been elections in 2025.

50. What progress has been made with the action against those who robbed Thurrock residents of c.£40 million, and will action continue after the devolution merger?

We are leaving no stone unturned in trying to recover the money that was lost through those poor investments.

We have already launched a High Court lawsuit against some of key parties involved, so that we can recover misappropriated investment funds.

We know how much local people want to see this public money recovered, which is why we are pursuing every possible route to get Thurrock’s money back.

51. Concerned about the rumours around our unitary status and the scrapping of local elections in May.

Would like to know more about the plans for devolution and how it will affect Thurrock given that 30 years ago we decided to leave Essex.

You can find out more about plans for devolution and local government reorganisation on a dedicated are of the council’s website Devolution | Improvement | Thurrock Council

Will residents get to vote on the Devolution of Local Government plan?

The Government ran a consultation in March and April and will consider the responses in its decision making about devolution in Greater Essex. If the plans go ahead, elections for a new Mayor for Greater Essex are expected to be held in May 2026.

Other Issues

52. I've been in contact regarding the potential closure of Gateway Amateur Boxing Club in Corringham. I would like the council to help find suitable new premises so that we may carry on with the good, voluntary work we do in the local community on behalf of almost 100 young people from kids with physical and mental disabilities to potential Olympians. Unfortunately to date the council haven't been very helpful in this regard. We need your help to find a suitable site and save the club.

We’re sorry we’ve not been able to find a suitable site for the boxing club, but we are aware of what space you’re looking for. We will be in touch as soon as we identify a council owned property which may be suitable. It is worth considering contracting a commercial agent to help with your property search.

53. Is there any possibility of building a proper calisthenics park in our area? There is a growing number of calisthenics athletes in the community, but no suitable facility to support this activity. As a certified calisthenics trainer, I am confident that such a space would promote health, fitness, and community well-being. I would also be happy to assist in planning and designing the park to ensure it meets the needs of local residents. Please let me know if this is something the council might consider.

Thank you for this suggestion, it’s not something we’ve had before, but we’ll happily include for consideration in any future strategy for parks and open spaces.

54. Bidding for a Council Commercial Premises. Help concerning a church building for our church that have been in operation for 14 years but have no permanent place of worship.

You can get in contact with our Property Team at PropertyFM@thurrock.gov.uk and register your property requirements, That means if we become aware of a council owned property that might suit your needs, we will be able to contact you. It’s also worth considering appointing a commercial agent who will be able to help you with your property search.

55. What are you doing to ensure Thurrock is a thriving, cohesive community, with adequate public services and amenities where we can all live peacefully and our children can thrive?

The council is committed to creating a fair, accessible and inclusive borough where everyone has a voice and an equal opportunity to success and thrive, and where community led ambitions are supported and actively encouraged. We are beginning to work more collaboratively within communities and are in the process of drafting a some recommendations to Cabinet on how we can engage with and support our communities to thrive.

Since 1981 the population of Thurrock has increased from 127,000 to approximately 177,000 in 2021. During this time we have looked to increase housing provision and to provide new job opportunities to meet the demands of a growing population. For example, between 2004 and 2023 an average of 18 hectares of employment land were granted each year to sustain existing employment and to generate new employment opportunities. Between 2000 and 2023 around 11,000 homes were provided to meet the demands of a growing population and to support the growth of existing businesses.

56. The public toilets in Stanford and Corringham have been closed. What is the reason for this and did the council have a consultation with the public before taking this action because there are many disabled elderly and those with medical conditions in Thurrock who need this vital resource, and the closing of them discriminates, isolates and alienates these groups from social interaction and community activities.

Unfortunately, the council no longer holds any information in relation to these closures as they happened some time ago. If the lack of public toilets are causing problems for residents we are keen to find out more to see whether we can work with partners such as local cafés or supermarkets to offer access to toilets.

57. Do you have any updates on the solar farm fraud, has Liam Kavanagh and his companies been held to count?

Please see the latest update on our news article here: Thurrock Council welcomes Serious Fraud Office investigation

58. Health care system is really poor and has found surgery services pathetic. The doctor doesn’t have no appointment and also very carelessly treatment. No NHS registration for dentists, especially for children, so they don’t even get any treatment. I had to register my son in Pitsea. Basildon hospital is one of the worse. Extremely bad treatment to patients. Half of the people don’t even not know what they are doing. People are going out of country for medical.

The council is not responsible for delivering these kinds of health services, but we can make sure feedback is given to our partners in the NHS. It’s really a question for the NHS who are responsible for commissioning hospital and dental services in Thurrock. You can get in contact with Mid and South Essex ICB here https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/contact.