today, 2 september 2022, Local Government Secretary Greg Clark announced plans to intervene at Thurrock Council to address serious concerns about Financial management of the council and the threat to local services.
Essex County Council has been designated as the Commissioner and Best Value Inspector, giving them the authority to fully oversee the financial duties of Thurrock Council and to determine whether there are failures in other activities that pose a threat to services.
Within the first three months of intervention, Thurrock Council will collaborate with Essex County Council to develop an improvement plan and will be required to submit a best value inspection report to the Secretary of State.
This action is in response to the Council’s extraordinary financial threat and serious concerns over debt.
Local Government Secretary Greg Clark said:
“Given the dire financial situation of Thurrock Council and its potential impact on local services, I believe it is necessary for the government to intervene.
“I firmly believe that when a council is in trouble, its local government neighbors should be the preferred source of help to turn it around.
“I know that Essex County Council has the expertise and ability to help its local government neighbor. Working together, I believe councils can deliver the improvements local people expect and deserve. “
In his capacity as Commissioner, Essex County Council will assume responsibility for all duties relating to financial governance and oversee the strategic financial decision-making of the Authority.
The best value inspection will evaluate the impact of the Council’s governance, audit (internal and external), risk management, overview and investigation functions on service delivery.