Dr Dave Smith arrived in Thurrock today to take up the role of Managing Director Commissioner of the council. The new appointment was announced last week by the government's Minister for Local Government and Building Safety. This is part of the expansion of the ongoing intervention at Thurrock Council led by a Commissioner team from Essex County Council.
Dave said: "Thurrock Council is facing some of the greatest challenges ever faced by a local authority, and the scale of the task ahead should not be underestimated.
"It will require a collective determination, perseverance and understanding from members, officers, businesses and all our partners across Thurrock, to make the difficult decisions and take the action needed to turn the council around so that it has solid foundations for the future.
"I will be focused on working together with colleague commissioners, elected members and officers, as well as listening to residents' views, to continue to make the right choices which are required for improvement and recovery. This will be the only way of restoring confidence in the council and ensuring it meets the priority needs of Thurrock's communities."
Leader of the Council, Councillor Mark Coxshall, said: "I am pleased to now be able to welcome Dr Dave Smith to Thurrock Council. Dave brings with him great experience and expertise having held senior positions across a number of local authorities in England. I look forward to working hand in hand with him as we drive forward our recovery to ensure Thurrock Council has a future in which it is sustainable and is the best it can be."
With Dave's arrival, acting Chief Executive Ian Wake has stepped back into his substantive role as Corporate Director of Adults, Housing and Health.
Photo below: Cllr Mark Coxshall and Dr Dave Smith.
