News | Thurrock Council

Council tax decision will help create a sustainable future

2 March 2023

At a meeting of Full Council on Wednesday 1 March, Thurrock councillors approved a council tax increase of 7.99%, plus a 2% adult social care precept. The changes will take affect from 1 April 2023.
Cllr Mark Coxshall, Leader of Thurrock Council, said: "The decision taken tonight reflects the seriousness of our position. This increase is sadly necessary if we are to secure the future of this council. It is a step we need to take to recover financially and to ensure we can continue providing much needed services for our most vulnerable residents.

Secondary school places announced for September 2023

1 March 2023

Nearly three-quarters of pupils who are expected to begin secondary school in Thurrock this September have been offered their top school choice.
Results announced today (Wednesday 1 March) revealed that 73.5% of students will be able to attend their most preferred school, with 88.7% of children being allocated one of their top 3 preferences.

Caring for Thurrock celebrates Good rating

1 March 2023

Thurrock Council's home care service Caring for Thurrock has received a 'Good' rating across all areas following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in February 2023.
The service, which provides personal care to people living in their own flats and houses, was rated Good overall and in 5 areas relating to safety, effectiveness, caring, responsiveness and being well-led.

Pupils' active travel designs brought to life

21 February 2023

School children across Thurrock have seen their winning poster designs transformed into banners after taking part in a competition to highlight the importance of active travel on their school journey.
Thurrock Council's Road Safety Team launched an active travel initiative with 8 schools in October 2022 to promote ways to travel sustainably and help reduce congestion around schools in Thurrock.

Mayoral Roll of Honour continues to celebrate outstanding achievements

21 February 2023

Since June 2022, the Mayoral Roll of Honour – launched by the Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr James Halden – has recognised 26 individuals and groups for their inspiring work to support others in the community.
The initiative encourages residents to nominate charities, businesses, individuals and community groups whose work has gone above and beyond to service Thurrock in extraordinary ways, making the borough a greater place to live, work, learn and play.
The full list of recipients of the Roll of Honour award is thurrock.gov.uk/rollofhonour

Have your say on plans for new homes

17 February 2023

Proposals to explore the potential for new homes to meet local demand in Grays and Stanford-le-Hope are being put to residents to share their views.
Thurrock Council is seeking feedback on 2 housing schemes, at:
the Darnley Road and Crown Road Car Park site in Grays town centre
Lyndhurst Road in Stanford-le-Hope
Residents can provide their views online, by phone or by attending drop-in sessions to give their feedback in person.

Brighter Futures Family Hub Network confirmed

9 February 2023

Today, Thursday 9 February, Thurrock Council and its partner agencies has been signed up to the government's Family Hubs Start for Life programme, along with 74 other eligible local authorities.
Thurrock's Brighter Futures Family Hub Network will deliver responsive, high-quality support to local families with children aged 0 to 18 years-old, expectant parents and young adults with special educational needs or disabilities up to the age of 25 years-old.

Response to proposed further directions

8 February 2023

Thurrock Council has responded to the government's Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities after receiving and considering proposed further directions for the council, based on the commissioners' first report and a Best Value Inspection update report submitted before Christmas.
The proposed updated directions recommend that a commissioner is appointed to act as Managing Director of the authority and sets out proposals for increased powers for the commissioners in making decisions about:

Order to help dog owners keep cemeteries clean and peaceful

6 February 2023

Rules to encourage dog owners to make sure they pick up after their pets if they are walking them through the borough's cemeteries have come into force.
A new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) means that owners of dogs who do not pick up after their pet or allow them off the leash in one of the borough's cemeteries can be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice.

Hazel tree planted in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

3 February 2023

A hazel tree gifted to Thurrock from the Tree of Trees that formed the Queen's Platinum Jubilee sculpture has been planted in South Ockendon during a special ceremony.
On Friday 3 February, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, HM Lord Lieutenant of Essex, joined Cllr Andrew Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Environment, to help plant the special tree under the Queen's Green Canopy initiative on the grounds of Brandon Groves Community Club.