To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Council, held on 13 October 2022.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Council, held on 26 October 2022.

Minutes of the Council meetings held on the 13 October 2022 and 26 October 2022 were approved as a correct record.

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.

There were no items of urgent business.

To receive any declaration of interests from Members.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Mayor made the following announcements:

The Mayor thanked all community groups who had done the borough incredibly proud during the period of remembrance. The Mayor had attended seven remembrance services, with a Mayor’s office representative at a further 14 services. 

The Mayor praised the Mayoral Roll of Honour named on page 9 of the agenda.

Members were reminded that “Give a Gift” was still open which ensured looked after children, vulnerable and refugee children got a Christmas gift this year. The Mayor thanked the residents and businesses of Thurrock who had been incredibly generous.

The Mayor was delighted that the Mayor’s Charity Fund had raised just over £18,000 for good causes and looked forward to attending the intensive care unit for babies at Thurrock Basildon Hospital to present them with a sizeable cheque.

Councillor M Coxshall, Leader of the Council, made the following announcement:

The financial report that had been published yesterday had presented the serious state of finances the council were in. The numbers were truly shocking, and it was the first step of the recovery plan to understand the full extent of the problem. He understood the gravity being faced and was determined to do the right thing and to take some tough decisions. Some financial support would be required from Government over a number of years to stabilise the financial position and to give time for a balanced budget to be set. He confirmed that it was impossible for local authorities to go bankrupt, but it had become clear that a lot of decisions needed to be made by all Members, especially himself. Those decisions were uncertain at present but there would be no immediate changes to services and work would continue with the commissioners to discuss the size of this challenge and bring Thurrock back into a stable, safe and sustainable financial position. By next week an improvement plan would be delivered to the Secretary of State. Some tough decisions would need to be made going forward and the Leader realised the consequences. He would take full responsibility to ensure this got done. He would need all 49 Members to ensure the survival of Thurrock with the determination and decisions being democratically made for those that stand and lead the Council in the coming years.  

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

The Mayor informed the chamber that due to the resident being unwell, a written response would be provided.

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

The Mayor informed the chamber that three notices of petition had been received this evening.

Mr Hurrell presented his petition requesting Thurrock Council to urgently provide a school crossing patrol on Daiglen Drive at the junction with Broxburn Drive. In response to this Councillor Maney acknowledged the petition.

Councillor Fish presented his petition by calling on Thurrock Council to urgently tackle noise nuisance, inconsiderate parking and litter at the Lighthouse Centre in Quarry Hill. In response to this Councillor Jefferies acknowledged the petition.

Councillor Ralph presented his petition by calling on Thurrock Council to provide a zebra crossing outside Abbotts Hall School. In response to this Councillor Maney acknowledged the petition.  

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

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.

The Mayor enquired whether there were any changes to be made to the appointments previously made by committees and outside bodies, statutory and other panels.

The Leader of the council, Councillor M Coxshall, stated he had the following change to make:

To replace Councillor M Coxshall with Councillor G Coxshall on the Kent & Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority outside body.

The Leader of the Labour group, Councillor J Kent stated he had no changes to make.

Councillor Massey nominated himself onto the Mucking Charitable Trust.

Councillor Allen stated he had no changes to make.

Members agreed with the nominations.

he report presented followed the decision of the Council on 25 May 2022, which agreed pursuant to section 28 of the Localism Act 2011 to appoint new independent persons to replace the long-standing Independent Person who had been in place for some years. Following a recruitment process, the Monitoring Officer had identified two candidates to share the role until Annual Council in 2026. Councillor M Coxshall proceeded to the recommendation.

Councillor J Kent agreed to go straight to the vote.

With 38 votes in favour, 0 against, 0 abstained, the recommendation was agreed.

RESOLVED

For the purposes of section 28 of the Localism Act 2011, the Council agreed to appoint Ms Cheryl Campbell and Mr Simon Carey to the role of Independent Person until the Annual Council in 2026.

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

The Mayor informed the chamber that three questions to the Leader had been received and ten questions to cabinet members.

At 7.55pm, Councillor M Coxshall raised a point of order to extend this item to hear the remaining questions.

A copy of the transcript of questions and answers can be found at Appendix A to these minutes.

No reports were presented.

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

Members received an information report updating the progress in respect of motions received at council.