Agenda and draft minutes

Council - Wednesday, 30th October, 2024 7.00 pm

Venue: Council Chamber, Civic Offices, New Road, Grays, Essex RM17 6SL

Contact: Jenny Shade, Principal Democratic Services Officer  Email: Direct.Democracy@thurrock.gov.uk

Media

Items
No. Item

Following Prayers, a minute silence was held as a mark of respect for the fifth anniversary of the 39 Vietnamese people who had tragedy died in Thurrock.

 

45.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 179 KB

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Council, held on 26 September 2024.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of Council held on the 26 September 2024 were approved as a correct record.

46.

Items of Urgent Business

To receive additional items that the Mayor is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

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Minutes:

There were no urgent items of business.

47.

Declaration of Interests

To receive any declaration of interests from Members.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest.

48.

Announcements on behalf of the Mayor and the Leader of the Council

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Minutes:

The Leader and Members paid tribute to the sad passing of former Councillor and Mayor, Margaret Sarah Jones followed by a minute silence.

49.

Questions from Members of the Public pdf icon PDF 71 KB

In accordance with Chapter 2, Part 2 (Rule 14) of the Council’s Constitution.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Mayor informed the chamber of the questions received to cabinet members:

 

From

To

Question

Overview of response

Mr Olasiyan

Cllr V Holloway

As a parent whose child attends Gravesend I would like to ask about the cessation of the Gravesend Ferry and what if any timeline there is for any resumption of this vital service.

Council was committed to finding a commercially sound and sustainable long-term future for this historic river crossing, recognised the important role that passenger transport on the river was likely to play and wanted to do all we can to make sure that the Tilbury Ferry can be part of that future.

Mr Keates

Cllr V Holloway

Since the parking permits in Godman Road flats have been in place parking in the roads around the flats have become so bad that residents in the houses cannot even get near their own houses and sometimes have to park on double yellow lines or park half a mile away from their residence. Seeing that the parking permits are not fully used by the residents of the flats because of the restrictions put in place can these permits not be rescinded so potentially the parking can return to normal?

 

 

Council aware that permits for the flats are not fully utilised due to the restrictions in place and are not in a position to rescind these permits, as this would disadvantage the flat residents who rely on them for their own parking needs. The council was actively considering options to amend the current parking restrictions.

Mr Perrin

Cllr Hooper

In line with the Thurrock Borough Council’s Housing Tenancy Agreement 201401v2, clause 5.10, Gardens, Balconies and Communal Areas, does the council accept at the very least it has a duty, when letting or re-letting a property to comply with its own standards?

Council accepts it had a duty when letting or reletting a property to comply with its ownstandards, the

council was bound by its tenancy agreement, fit-to-let standards, and void policy. The tenancy agreement and fit-to-let standards, gardens must not be overgrown or untidy and must be free of rubbish and debris. These standards applied to departing tenants, with any charges for non-compliance being rechargeable to them. If a garden becomes overgrown while the property was void, the responsibility for its maintenance falls to the void team or, if necessary, the estates staff. 

 

50.

Petitions from Members of the Public and Councillors

In accordance with Chapter 2, Part 2(Rule 14) of the Council’s Constitution.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

A petition was presented by Joy Redsell in that many residents of Thurrock were against the building of housing on the green belt of Blackshots playing field which was given to the people of Thurrock by King George the 5th as for recreation and sport. The Portfolio Holder for Good Growth, Councillor L Watson, provided a response. 

 

 

51.

Petitions Update Report pdf icon PDF 62 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members received a report on the status of those petitions handed in at Council meetings and Council office.

52.

Appointments to Committees and Outside Bodies, Statutory and Other Panels

The Council are asked to agree any changes to the appointments made to committees and outside bodies, statutory and other panels, as requested by Group Leaders.

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Minutes:

The following changes were agreed:

 

·       Add Councillor D Arnold as substitute on People Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

·       Add Councillor Johnson as substitute on Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

 

53.

Motion 1

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Minutes:

Councillor Hartstean requested an alteration to the wording of her motion to which members agreed. The motion was seconded by Councillor Hurrell. The altered Motion read as follows:

 

That this Council congratulates the whole of Children's Services for achieving an OUTSTANDING rating in their recent Ofsted Inspection and thank all Services across the council who contribute to safeguarding the children of Thurrock and expresses our gratitude for their continued commitment to the children and families in our care.

 

Councillor Hartstean stated how proud she was to be presenting a motion this evening on the recent Ofsted Outstanding Rating awarded to Children’s Services. Commended the leadership of the Executive Director of Children’s Services and Assistant Director for Children’s Social Care and Early Help and Assistant Director for Education. This was a testament to the dedication, commitment, and hard work of every member of the children’s services team. The hard work had built a service that was responsive, resilient, and entirely focused on delivering the best outcomes for Thurrock’s children and families. With only five other authorities receiving the outstanding recognition this was remarkable. 

 

The following members spoke on this item – Councillors Speight, Johnson,

J Kent, Alike, Sisterson, Jefferies, J Maney, L Watson, Manwa and Hurrell. The following comments were made:

 

-       Members congratulated everyone involved in Children’s Services and across the council who contributed.

-       The work undertaken made a profound difference.

-       Young Voices were recognised for the work that they undertake.

-       Thanks were given to past councillors who had respective responsibilities and had made their contribution to the success of the Children’s Services.

-       As previous portfolio holder had recognised the importance of that role.

-       Acknowledged that all the work being undertaken from top to bottom had been utterly amazing.

-       This had been a tremendous and significant achievement.

-       Fantastic to have this remarkable event to reflect on.

-       Feedback from Ofsted had set the context on how well they had done.

-       Demonstrated that even with a council with its problems, on the road to recovery, with all 49 members and officers pulling in the right, the same direction, all have the same aims, all have the same ambitions, all want to achieve the same things, there was nothing that the council could not do.

-       A big appreciation was made for all the work undertaken by social workers.

-       Special mention made to the Children and Young People who had come together to form their own group, Young Voices.

-       Acknowledged there were no actions required which was also an amazing achievement.

-       Thanks were given to past portfolio holder Councillor Johnson.

-       It had become clear that staff were passionate, they deeply cared and was more than a job for some

-       Acknowledged out of the five other authorities being recognised as outstanding, Thurrock was the only one in intervention.

-       Felt everyone on the Corporate Parenting committee was really engaged and wanted to work together.

-       As chair of Corporate Parenting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

54.

Standard and Audit Committee Annual Report 2023/24 pdf icon PDF 125 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor C Kent as current Chair of the Standards Committee presented the report, this provided a summary of the work completed by the Standards and Audit Committee during the municipal year 2023/24. Councillor Massey chair of the Audit and Standards Committee for 2023/24 thanked members, co-opted members, and officer’s past and present for the work undertaken by the committee and agreed the new structure to separate Audit and Standards Committees would benefit the council moving forward.

 

Members welcomed the report.

 

RESOLVED

 

Members noted and approved the annual report of the Standards and Audit Committee for 2023/24.

 

55.

Changes to the Council Contract Procedure Rule (Chapter 9, Part 2 of the Council's Constitution) pdf icon PDF 102 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

Councillor Muldowney presented the report that provided a brief overview of the Act 2023 and the amendments to the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules.

 

The following member spoke on this item – Councillor Speight. The following comments were made:

 

-       Important that the new set of procedures were transparent and lawful in terms of letting people know what was going on.

-       Raised concern on changes made on lists that identified how and where money had been spent.

-       There needed to be clear and accurate records available.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.      That Council noted the changes in the procurement regulations.

2.      That Council agreed and approved the amended Contract Procedure Rules in Appendix 2, which were to take effect on the implementation date of the Procurement Act 2023.

 

 

56.

Local Code of Corporate Governance pdf icon PDF 101 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Worrall presented the report that as part of the intervention Improvement and Recovery Plan there was a requirement for Thurrock Council to improve governance and control, and to implement processes that maximised transparency and accountability. Thurrock Council sought to introduce a new Local Code of Corporate Governance, which had been developed in accordance with the latest guidance.

 

The following members spoke on this item – Councillors Jefferies and Speight. The following comments were made:

 

-       The report was welcomed and would restore the confidence that residents had in the council.

-       Detailed the way forward.

-       Should became and remain a living document.

 

RESOLVED

 

Council approved and adopted the draft Local Code of Governance.

57.

Constitution Review: Overview & Scrutiny Procedures pdf icon PDF 107 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Worrall presented the report that following the Council’s agreement to undertake a review of its constitution as part of the Improvement and Recovery Programme to meet the Secretary of State’s statutory directions of March 2023 a revised version of the Overview and Scrutiny Rules (currently Chapter 4). These rules had been considered by Members and were recommended by the General Services Committee to Full Council for approval. Councillor Worrall made reference to an amendment to point 2.11 that groups would be permitted up to two named substitutes on each overview and scrutiny committee.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.       For the reasons set out in this report, Full Council recommended to agree for inclusion in the Council’s Constitution:

 

1.1      The Overview and Scrutiny Rules attached at Appendix 1.

 

2.       Delegate authority to the Monitoring Officer to include agreed revisions into the Constitution including the power to make any necessary clerical or minor changes to give effect to these rules.

 

3.       Amendment to point 2.11 that groups would be permitted up to two named substitutes on each overview and scrutiny committee.

 

58.

Overview and Scrutiny Work Programmes 2024/25 pdf icon PDF 93 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader briefly introduced the report by stating a properly functioning and an effective overview and scrutiny process which ran alongside an executive was an absolutely essential component of a well-run local authority. The Leader thanked all those members involved in the scrutiny process and in particular those chairing scrutiny committees or acting as vice chair for the amount of time and effort they had contributed. The Leader asked the three scrutiny chairs to briefly introduce their work programmes.

 

Councillor Speight – People Overview and Scrutiny Committee

 

Councillor Speight highlighted some of the work undertaken by this committee – waiting times for children to see specialists and to receive medical care; improvements to the phlebotomy services in the borough; questioned the structure and effectiveness of the integrated care board; interest in financial performance; success of ongoing practical and fiscal performance of adult social services; acknowledged the great work of children’s services; task and finish group on combatting children obesity. Summed by thanking all committee and co-opted members.

 

Councillor G Byrne – Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee

 

Councillor G Byrne highlighted some of the work undertaken by this committee – enforcement; community safety; parking at schools, Lower Thames Crossing and dust issue in Tilbury. Will look at committed spends, projects updates, waste strategy policy, update on Grays and Tilbury boards, updates on Gravesend and Tilbury ferry. Other items to be discussed were Homelessness strategy, East Tilbury conservation area, economic development strategy and the annual portfolio holder report.

 

Councillor B Maney – Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee

 

Councillor B Maney highlighted some of the key items of business discussed by this committee – the emerging communications and engagement strategy; working group to scrutinise the members enquiry process; digital and customer experience programme; finance monitoring; corporate plan; performance data. The biggest undertaking will be to lead on the budget scrutiny in conjunction with members from the Place and People committees. Also this year the council adopted a new scrutiny model which was still evolving to ensure a sharper and more efficient process for the future.

 

The Leader summed up by thanking all those involved in the scrutiny process.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.       Council noted the work programmes for the People, Place and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committees for 2024/25.

 

2.       Council endorsed the work programmes.

59.

Questions from Members pdf icon PDF 72 KB

In accordance with Chapter 2, Part 2 (Rule 14) of the Council’s Constitution.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Mayor informed the chamber of the questions received to cabinet members:

 

From

To

Question

Overview of response

Cllr Speight

Cllr V Holloway

Thurrock Council has previously acknowledged that the car park at the Stanford-le-Hope Recreation Ground (accessed via Grove Road) which serves the clubhouse and other facilities at this popular community facility, is in a very dangerous condition. Officers and engineers have visited the car park have acknowledged and recognised the risk users face. At least two people have suffered significant injuries, putting the council at risk of litigation and compensation. It is the council's responsibility to maintain this site and keep it safe. Why has this not happened?

Advised that patching work had been undertaken to the car park on
10
September 2024, and the surface will be monitored to see whether any additional works are required.

Cllr G Byrne

Cllr Muldowney

Bearing in mind a resident has never cross the line in chamber. Who signed off the glass wall somehow thinking it was a good idea to segregate members from our residents and treating them like football hooligans.

Partition was installed following concerns raised on safety and no additional risks have been identified with creation of the partition. Adjustments had been made to the door handle. All views need to be heard and respected.

Cllr Anderson

Cllr Hooper

The Well Homes scheme seeks to improve the housing conditions, health and wellbeing of residents living in private properties across Thurrock. Can the cabinet member tell us how this Council raises awareness of Well Homes within communities, ensuring we reach those that could benefit from the scheme?

The Well Homes Scheme takes a holistic approach to improving residents' outcomes by addressing poor housing conditions and unhealthy lifestyles. This was achieved through personalised health and wellbeing assessments, along with a health and safety property audit.

Cllr
Kerin

Cllr Morris Cook

What is the Portfolio Holder for Communities doing to go out on the road offering residents an opportunity to question the Cabinet?

Cabinet visited different areas of the borough accompanied by members of the Senior Leadership Team. These visits had involved meeting with local residents and businesses to start to rebuild relationships, understand local priorities and concerns, and be visible in the community. Planning to continue with these visits over the coming months and meet more local people by going to the places where they spend time, such as libraries, sheltered accommodation units, and at our cost-of-living Thurrock Cares roadshows. Holding our ‘Ask the council’ public question time on Monday 11 November at the Thameside Theatre in Grays.

Cllr G Byrne

Cllr V Holloway

Whatever time of day I come to Grays for meetings or the theatre, I always see traffic enforcement officers on main roads, side roads, on the bridge, and theatre but never see this amount of enforcement anywhere else in Thurrock - why is this the case?

The parking enforcement team had enforcement officers working across the borough at various times throughout the day. The patrols of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.

60.

Reports from Members representing the Council on Outside Bodies

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Speight stated no progress had been made following his last update on East Thurrock Community Association and stated how disappointed he was that the association had not received any correspondence from the council.

61.

Minutes of Committees

Name of Committee

Date

Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee

30 July 2024

Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education

17 January 2024

Audit Committee

11 July 2024

People Overview and Scrutiny Committee

3 September 2024

Planning Committee

8 August 2024

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of committees as set out in the agenda were received.

62.

Update on motions resolved at Council during the previous year pdf icon PDF 117 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members received an update on outstanding motions.

63.

Motions submitted to October Council pdf icon PDF 60 KB

In accordance with Chapter 2, Part 2 (Rule 15) of the Council’s Constitution.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Motion 2

 

Motion 2 had been withdrawn to allow the Overview and Scrutiny Task and Finish Group to report back. The motion would be resubmitted to the next full council meeting.

 

Motion 3

 

The Motion, as printed in the agenda was proposed by Councillor J Kent and seconded by Councillor Muldowney. The Motion read as follows:

 

Council welcomes the launch of the Thurrock Cares campaign and urges all members to commit to ensure it reaches all residents who would benefit from the help the campaign offers.

 

Councillor J Kent presented his motion by announcing the launch of the Thurrock Care initiative and would be committed to doing everything possible to support residents through a range of measures designed to ease daily cost of living pressures. For the campaign to work required all 49 members to support and promote into the community.

 

Councillors Speight and Muldowney spoke on this motion. The following comments were made:

 

-       Great document that contained useful information on the pledges being made by the council.

-       Paper Booklet will be distributed into the community.

-       Members would be happy to distribute copies of the paper booklet.

-       Thanks were given to those involved in putting the campaign together.

-       The programme offered hope and support to residents in the borough.

-       Series of community road shows would start in November offering information to find out more and get advice.

-       Campaign also offered warm spaces across Thurrock where residents could find comfort and companionship.

-       Essential Living Fund also provided direct financial aid for those in immediate need.

-       The campaign was more than a programme; it was a statement that the council remained committed to supporting residents.

 

Councillor J Kent summed up by thanking Members for their support.

 

The Mayor called a vote on the motion, to which members voted unanimously in favour. The Mayor announced the motion carried.

 

 

 

 

A full recording of this meeting can be viewed from the following link:

 

Council - Wednesday 30 October 2024, 7:00pm - Thurrock Council committee meeting webcasts