News | Thurrock Council

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.

Have Your Say: Help shape the future of Corringham Town Park and Dilkes Park

3 September 2025

Two much-loved green spaces in Thurrock are about to get a new lease of life, and local residents are being asked to help shape their future.
Corringham Town Park
First opened in time for the 2012 Olympics, Corringham Town Park has been a favourite spot for families, young people, and fitness enthusiasts. With its games area, climbing wall, and outdoor gym, it became a hub of activity for the community.

Enforcement notice served on rogue depot

2 September 2025

Thurrock Council has served a planning enforcement notice on the owners of plot of land in Vange Road, Vange, after they breached planning regulations to convert a garden nursery into a storage and distribution use
The enforcement notice, which was served on the owners last week, gives them one month to stop using the land for storage and distribution purposes and remove all skips and vehicles.

Thurrock’s Adult Social Care Services rated ‘Good’ after CQC assessment

29 August 2025

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has formally awarded Thurrock Council a ‘Good’ rating for its delivery of Adult Social Care services.  
Following a comprehensive assurance process which included a number of on-site visits, detailed information reviews and direct conversations with people who receive our care, CQC has said the Council’s Adult Social Care services has evidenced that we deliver care to a Good standard.  

Purfleet Pantry celebrates one year anniversary with community party

29 August 2025

A volunteer-run pantry in Purfleet-on-Thames has celebrated its amazing first year of service to the community with a special birthday party.
The Purfleet Pantry & Café, which launched in August last year, is a community space that aims to help residents gain better access to food and essential items with a scheme that significantly lowers the cost of their grocery shop.