Category Archives: Council Meetings

Council Tax Budget Debate: Editorial Comment

In a scenario such as this, the Tories are on a hiding to nothing while Labour have a number of opportunities to hit the ball out of the park. This was very much Orsett Councillor’s Mike Revell’s point when he … Continue reading

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Filed under Council Meetings, Thurrock Council

Trade Union Funding Cut

Thurrock Council agreed to cut the funding (£35,000) for a full time Branch Secretary. Labour leader John Kent was dismayed at the proposal. He said: “We should not forget the help the Union gave in setting up the Unitary status … Continue reading

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Filed under Council Meetings, Thurrock Council

Tories Slammed Over Charity Waste Charge

Labour leader John Kent described Tory decision to stop free waste collection for the boroughs charities as ” mean-spirited” The Council hope to save £23,000 by stopping the free weekly collections . It will affect three charitable organisations and two … Continue reading

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Filed under Council Meetings, Thurrock Council

Rent Hike To Rake In £60,000

Thurrock Council agreed that £60,000 could be accrued by increasing the rent of a number of commercial properties up for renewal. Chairman of the Labour Group, Carl Morris said: “What type of message does this send out to small businesses. … Continue reading

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Filed under Council Meetings, Thurrock Council

Labour Despair at Cuts To Thurrock Libraries

Plans to cut over £50,000 from Thurrock Libraries budget were agreed last night (Wednesday) at Thurrock Council. The savings would be made by cutting staff hours and libraries closing at 5pm. Cllr Val Morris-Cook said: “What was the point in … Continue reading

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Filed under Council Meetings, Thurrock Council

Controversial Parking Charges Agreed

In what became a bitter row, increased charges in excess of 50% were agreed last night (Wed) Earlier in the meeting a petition was handed to the Council by the Corringham Street Traders association who were one of many groups … Continue reading

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Filed under Council Meetings, Thurrock Council

Community Forum Cuts Confirmed

Thurrock Council agreed to cut £50,000 from the budgets of the 20 Community Forums. Cllr Val Morris-Cook defended the forums as part of a rousing performance in the Chamber full of strength passion and combative wit. She said: “There are … Continue reading

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Filed under Council Meetings, Thurrock Council

Cuts To Parent Partnership Service (PPS) Agreed

Thurrock Council agreed to make cuts in funding of up to £35,000 to the PPS. The PPS is a  service for parents/carers, pupils, schools and other agencies providing information, advice and support in connection with childrens development, educational progress (including … Continue reading

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Filed under Council Meetings, Thurrock Council

Council Tax and Budget Debate: Introduction

Confusion, farce, arcane procedure, heated debate, impassioned pleas. Some councillors really rose to the challenge and proved themselves very able debaters. Others underwhelmed greatly. What was clear was that the Labour Group were not going to let the Budget pass … Continue reading

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Filed under Council Meetings, Thurrock Council