News

Waste collections during freezing weather

11 February 2021
Following snow and freezing conditions this week (8-12 February), there has been disruption to household refuse collections which has meant that bins and waste has not been collected from many homes in Thurrock.
Cllr Aaron Watkins, Cabinet member for environment, said: "The conditions this week have meant we needed to take a tough decision to temporarily suspend waste collections to prioritise staff safety. Attempts which were made were not possible, with instances of the lorries skidding over ice.

Eligible children to get free school meals during February half term

11 February 2021
All children eligible for free school meals in Thurrock schools will once again be supported throughout the upcoming February half term with each receiving a weekly £15 supermarket voucher.
Cllr Andrew Jefferies, Cabinet member for education, said; "For two weeks in December last year, the council supported thousands of eligible children across the borough with free school meals, and I am proud to say that we are once again delivering on this promise during February half term this year.

Thurrock and Basildon to work together on local government proposals

11 February 2021
Basildon and Thurrock councils will consider signing a Memorandum of Understanding, confirming their intentions to work more closely when proposing future governance arrangements for the boroughs of Basildon and Thurrock.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sets out guidance for how the two councils will work together over matters related to Local Government Reform – the reorganisation of local government that was delayed last summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

National Apprenticeship Week 2021

9 February 2021
Monday 8 February to Sunday 14 February is National Apprenticeship Week, promoting the many benefits apprenticeships offer to people of all ages through valuable qualifications and work experience.
Cllr Andrew Jefferies, Cabinet member for education, said: "Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for young people to earn while they learn and progress towards developing a rewarding career.

Plans for Joint Committee further confirm shared ambitions for south Essex

5 February 2021
The Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA) is discussing proposals for the formation of a Joint Committee to further its aims of achieving investment and growth for the region.
ASELA has already outlined its ambitious plans to government and this proposal will further confirm its shared intent, if agreed by its member councils.

Proposed change to home care service charges

3 February 2021
Papers published for February's meeting of Thurrock council's Cabinet (Wednesday 10 February) contain proposals for an increase to the full hourly charge for domiciliary care services in Thurrock in order to secure the future of the service and increase pay to care providers.

Reading Friends comes to Thurrock

3 February 2021
Library users in Thurrock can benefit from a nationwide scheme aimed at tackling loneliness by starting conversations through reading.
Reading Friends launches in Thurrock on Wednesday 3 February to reconnect adults, including readers and non-readers, with others and make new friends.
Online groups will meet weekly on Tuesdays or Saturdays and an online parents group will be held fortnightly on Wednesdays. The online groups will eventually expand to take place in borough libraries once government guidance permits this.

£25million plan submitted to transform Tilbury

3 February 2021
A bid for more than £25million to fund plans including a state-of-the-art youth facility, a brand new jetty and vast improvements to the town's station hub, civic heart and rich heritage, has been submitted to the government by Tilbury Towns Fund Board.

More exciting Active Travel proposals for Thurrock

2 February 2021
Thurrock Council's Cabinet is set to hear proposals for a series of exciting walking and cycling travel schemes, with £690,000 of government funding being awarded in the second tranche of the Active Travel fund.
The Active Travel fund's first tranche in June 2020 saw Thurrock Council invest £288,000 of government funding to provide its residents with immediate changes in travel infrastructure to promote safer travel for all during the pandemic.

Children's Mental Health Week

2 February 2021
This Children's Mental Health Week, it's more important than ever to think about the significance of children's mental well=being and how they can be supported.
Cllr James Halden, Cabinet member for children's social care, said: "Right now taking care of children's mental health has never been more relevant. The extra stress children are experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic and the periods of remote learning which have been necessary can have a real impact on their mental well-being.

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