News | Thurrock Council

Thurrock young person becomes national ambassador for people leaving care

22 December 2020

A young Thurrock resident has been successfully recruited to the National Children in Care Council (NCICC) for care leavers.
Asif Salarzai has been recruited to role of National Voice Ambassador within the council which supports children across England aged 11 to 25 leaving care.

Thurrock to be placed into tier 4 from midnight

19 December 2020

The government has announced that Thurrock will enter the new tier 4 restrictions from 0:01am on Sunday 20 December.
Some of the key rules in tier 4 will be that all non-essential retail will close, along with gyms and leisure facilities and close contact services such as hairdressers.
As well as this, people will be unable to mix with any other household indoors unless they are in a support bubble – this includes during the Christmas period, and the previously announced mixing of households from 23 December to 27 December can no longer take place.

Development of local care and support services wins award

18 December 2020

Thurrock Council's innovative work developing local care and support services recently won the Best Community and Neighbourhood Initiative award at the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) awards 2020.
Cllr James Halden, Cabinet member for adult social care, said: "It's fantastic to see our micro-enterprise work being recognised at this year's APSE awards and all that we have done to support the growth of local, resident-led care and support services in Thurrock.

Crown Road car park closes for COVID-19 mobile testing unit

17 December 2020

Crown Road car park in Grays has been temporarily closed to allow for the operation of a Coronavirus mobile testing unit (MTU).
Cllr Rob Gledhill, Leader of the Council, said: "We have closed Crown Road car park in order to set up a further Mobile Testing Unit and support with the additional COVID-19 testing of 11 to 18 year-olds and their families and teachers, which is needed to tackle the spread of the virus in our borough.

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.