News

Position on investment strategy clarified

14 December 2020
Thurrock Council's investment strategy continues to pay at expected levels and over the last 2 years has brought over £70million additional income into the council, which has been used to provide services for the borough's residents.
The council is issuing details about the strategy ahead of an upcoming report, which appears set to make exaggerated claims that the strategy has been put at risk because of an issue being faced by one company making up a single digit percentage of the overall investment fund.

Government to move Thurrock into tier 3

14 December 2020
The government has announced that Thurrock will be entering tier 3 restrictions from Wednesday 16 December.
Pubs, bars and restaurants will have to close, except for takeaway and delivery services. This includes outdoor seating areas.
All other shops and businesses may remain open, along with hairdressers, barbers and other direct contact services.

Families of 11 to 18 year olds urged to book COVID-19 test

11 December 2020
Thurrock Council is calling on all parents and carers of children aged 11 to 18 to get their whole family tested for COVID-19 before Christmas.
Whether you have symptoms or not, you should book a slot to visit one of the drive through testing centres in Thurrock. If you are unable to visit a drive through site, a postal test kit can be sent to your home for you to do yourself. Both can be arranged via the national booking system: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

Financial report shows Thurrock is prepared but tough times are ahead

10 December 2020
Financial impacts in a post-coronavirus world mean that Thurrock Council will bring forward planned service reforms. Although prudential financial management and the council's investment approach have meant that these changes will be able to happen in a considered and sustainable way, there is a need to perform service reforms quicker than anticipated before coronavirus (COVID-19) struck.

Eligible children to receive free school meals over Christmas holidays

8 December 2020
All children eligible for free school meals in Thurrock schools will receive a weekly £15 voucher for each of the two weeks over the Christmas holidays.
Cllr Andrew Jefferies, Cabinet member for education, said; "I'm so pleased that we are able to work with local schools to issue vouchers to all 6,200 children eligible for free schools meals and make sure they do not go hungry during the school holidays.

Help for shops to extend their opening hours

4 December 2020
Thurrock Council will ensure that all shops wishing to take advantage of extended opening hours can do so following the government's announcement of the temporary relaxation of opening hours in the run up to Christmas and throughout January.

Dog boarding owners fined for unlicensed business

4 December 2020
An illegal dog boarding business was shut down and its irresponsible operators forced to pay more than £3,000 each following action taken by Thurrock Council.
On Thursday 26 November, the council successfully prosecuted Jay Hayers, 30, and Susan York, 56, for operating an unlicensed home dog boarding business, known as Max's Home Boarding, between Friday 11 January 2019 and Friday 5 July 2019.
The pair, who pleaded guilty at Southend Magistrates Court, were each fined a total of £2,500, ordered to pay costs of £1,250 and a £170 victim surcharge.

Online private fostering workshop takes place this December

2 December 2020
If you are looking after a child on behalf of a friend or family member, you may be entitled to a range of support from the council.
A free private fostering workshop will take place on Friday 11 December, offering advice and guidance to residents, volunteers and professionals.
Cllr James Halden, Cabinet member for children's and adult social care, said: "Our virtual workshops are a great opportunity for attendees to learn how to identify and recognise what private fostering is.

Thurrock Council disappointed to enter Tier 2 once lockdown ends

26 November 2020
The government has announced that Thurrock will enter 'Tier 2 High Alert' restrictions once the current lockdown period comes to an end.
From midnight on Wednesday 2 December, all non-essential shops and businesses will re-open. New rules will come into force for the hospitality sector, however, which will see some venues remain closed.

Businesses boosted by free parking in December

26 November 2020
For the fourth consecutive year, Thurrock Council will offer free car parking every Saturday in December to support high-street businesses during the festive season.
The initiative, which starts on Saturday 5 December, includes all council-owned car parks and pay and display on-street parking.

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