News | Thurrock Council

Christmas message from the Leader

19 December 2025

Dear residents,
As 2025 draws to a close, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas, and a happy and healthy new year, and thank you for your contribution to our borough this year.
Back in May, I was proud to take over from Cllr John Kent as Leader of Thurrock Council, and continue the important work to get Thurrock Council back on its feet so it can properly support you, the residents we are here to serve.

Thurrock Council approves draft budget for public consultation

19 December 2025

Thurrock Council’s Cabinet met on Wednesday 17 December 2025 and approved draft budget proposals for the next financial year, which will now go out to public consultation.
The proposals include a council tax increase of 2.99%, alongside a further 2% adult social care precept. This approach reflects the position facing most councils across the country.

Grays shop selling illicit tobacco products forced to close

19 December 2025

Thurrock Council has secured a closure order against a Grays shop after it repeatedly sold illicit tobacco and vaping products, despite previous enforcement action.
Shelby Vapes, 13 Clarence Road, Grays, will not be allowed to open or trade for three months following a ruling by Southend Magistrates Court on Tuesday 16 December 2025.

Thurrock Council welcomes peer feedback and sets out next steps to strengthen housing services

18 December 2025

Thurrock Council has welcomed the findings of the Local Government Association’s Social Housing Peer Challenge and an external review of its 30‑year Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan.
The peer team recognised the dedication of housing staff, the progress already being made through our improvement programme, and the renewed focus on putting tenants at the heart of decision‑making.
The review noted that the service is already implementing a detailed programme of improvements across departments and is strengthening tenant and resident engagement.

NHS resident doctors’ industrial action (17–22 December): Guidance for residents

16 December 2025

Thurrock Council is sharing the following information on behalf of Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ICS).
The British Medical Association has confirmed that resident doctors will be taking industrial action from 7am on Wednesday 17 December until 7am on Sunday 22 December. This may affect some NHS services across mid and south Essex, including Thurrock.
Impact on NHS services

Purfleet Pantry Xmas party

16 December 2025

Residents enjoyed a very special Christmas treat, thanks to the generous efforts of volunteers from the Purfleet Pantry & Hub.
On Friday 12 December, 28 residents from across Thurrock celebrated the festive season with a volunteer-organised party in the Community Hall of the Mulberry Drive Complex in Purfleet.
There was plenty of fun to be had, as guests tucked in to a two course Christmas dinner before being keep well entertained with a festive bingo and quiz.

Thurrock’s Give a Gift raises thousands for vulnerable children

16 December 2025

Residents and local businesses have raised almost £5,000 and donated hundreds of toys to help make sure Thurrock’s most vulnerable children can wake up to a gift on Christmas Day.
Thurrock’s Give a Gift campaign returned for another year, and people were able to get involved by donating toys and gifts or donating towards an online collection pot that would be used towards gift cards for older vulnerable children.
This year, a total of £4996.05 was raised, with hundreds more gifts donated.

Local Knit and Natter group spreads Christmas cheer to families

12 December 2025

A creative community group has brought some festive magic to families by creating some special decorations to celebrate the Christmas season.
Thanks to the talented members of the Knit and Natter group at Grays Library, a beautiful, knitted nativity scene was created to be put on display at Thameside Family Hub and Stifford Family Hub.
Plans for the knitted nativity scene started in September, with members quickly getting to work with their needles and yarn before the creations were sent off to Norfolk for the faces to be added.

Winners from Thurrock at Essex Activity Awards

11 December 2025

There were two winners from Thurrock at the annual Essex Activity Awards, which recognise remarkable achievements in physical activity, sport, and wellbeing across Essex.
The annual award ceremony took place on Thursday 4 December, bringing together over 150 shortlisted nominees and invited guests to celebrate the outstanding contributions made by individuals, communities, schools, clubs, and workplaces that inspire and promote the importance of physical activity and movement in Greater Essex.

Having a Christmas clear out? Give your pre-loved (and new) items a second life!

10 December 2025

We’re excited to announce that in January, we will be opening a brand-new Re-use Shop — a community space where good-quality, pre-loved items can find new homes instead of ending up in landfill.
The shop, situated in our Linford Household Waste and Recycling Centre, will sell donated household items at affordable prices, helping local families while reducing Thurrock’s waste. But to make this project a success, we need your help.