News

investment in key areas while delivering £13.9m in savings in the coming year.

Yesterday’s Budget Council meeting also approved a Council Tax increase within government limits of a 2.99% increase and a further 2% adult social care precept. This approach reflects the position facing most councils across the country. For a Band D property this is an increase of £1.73 a week, or £89.73 a year, on the Thurrock Council element.

We are marking International Women's Day with a range of different events in our Civic Offices, on Wednesday 4 March between 10am - 2pm. 

The day will include an inspiring panel discussion in celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, exploring this year’s theme: 'Give To Gain'. This event brings together a diverse panel of local leaders and changemakers to discuss the urgent steps needed to drive progress in gender equality and empower women in our communities.

Everyone is welcome and you can book your place here: 

A new plan approved by Cabinet on Wednesday 18 February will strengthen how Thurrock Council supports residents who are at risk of homelessness, helping to provide a more consistent, timely, and effective service.

In recent years the council has experienced increasing pressure within its homelessness service, reflected particularly in the rising number of households requiring temporary accommodation. This has created significant operational and financial challenges, as well as increased demand for early support and prevention work.

A Housing Improvement Action Plan will help council tenants have a louder voice in how the service is run and give councillors more oversight into how the service works and improves.

The plan, which was approved by Cabinet on Wednesday 18 February, follows the Local Government Association’s Social Housing Peer Challenge and an external review of its 30‑year Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan took place at the end of last year.

45 local children now have a computer thanks to a new initiative from local digital charity, Every Child Online, supported by Thurrock Council. 

Cllr Vikki Hartstean, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Community Safety, attended a special event at Grays Library on Tuesday 17 February where computer desktop kits were handed over to local young people. 

There is currently a significant measles outbreak in North London, and some children have needed hospital care. Because Thurrock, Southend and Essex are close to London and well connected by transport, it is very likely that we will see cases here too. 

Measles spreads extremely easily, and children who are not vaccinated are much more likely to become seriously unwell. The MMR vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect your child. 

The council has scored a double victory at the national Housing Innovations Awards last week.

Thurrock won in the category of Most Innovative Approach to Resident Welfare with its unique programme supporting some of the borough’s residents.  

The council faced the challenge of a small group of tenants who, due to complex mental health, addictions and disengagement have been at high risk of losing, or have lost, their tenancies resulting in homelessness, poor quality of life and limited future prospects.

Hundreds of people of all ages attended a careers fair to explore job, apprenticeship, and training opportunities. 

The free event, held on Tuesday 10 February, was delivered in partnership between Thurrock Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) at the Thameside Theatre in Grays. 

A range of leading employers were on hand to promote their latest vacancies, including Border Force, the NHS, Marfleet & Bradshaw, and the Royal Opera House. 

Thurrock Trading Standards is now working to detect illegal vapes at our border points, with the help of tobacco detection dogs Dora and Grace.

Trading Standards across the UK frequently use specialist sniffer dogs (tobacco detection dogs) to uncover illegal, counterfeit, and non-duty paid products, particularly imported tobacco and vapes.

Residents are being encouraged to have their say on plans to renew and improve play equipment at Grays Beach Riverside Park. 

Grays Beach Riverside Park is planning to renew some of its play equipment, with the aim of providing a range of play opportunities for people of all abilities and ages, including children and young people.