The Motion, as printed in the Agenda was proposed by Councillor Pothecary and seconded by Councillor J Kent, to which he reserved his right to speak later in the debate. The Motion read as follows:

Thurrock Council notes opposition to the proposed plans to redevelop the Civic Offices. Thurrock Council calls on Cabinet to abandon this costly and unnecessary project.

Councillor Pothecary introduced the Motion by stating there had been serious opposition against the redevelopment plans to Civic Offices which had been evident this evening with a gathering of residents outside Civic Offices demonstrating against the project. That the investment of £10 million should be spent more on community projects with residents against footing the bill for the proposed new chamber and the grand entrance. The project would be to the detriment of local businesses and would isolate the local church. Councillor Pothecary urged all Members to support the motion by caring more about residents rather than having a fancy new office.

Councillor Gerrish stated that as Chair of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee he had grave concerns with the project due to the lack of detail in the business case and what the benefits of this project would be for residents of Thurrock. Residents were told that the new proposed redevelopment of Civic Offices would be good for the regeneration of Grays but Councillor Gerrish stated residents did not want a new chamber or a new entrance they needed to see more improved local infrastructure. That a letter from the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee would be sent to the Leader requesting that a true business case be put forward and for a report to go back to the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Kerin stated his support for the motion as the project would be spending money needlessly which would affect his ward directly. Councillor Kerin told Members if they wanted to see how money could be spent better in the borough they could speak to himself, Councillor Pothecary or residents as they had a “shopping list” of projects that could be addressed instead.

Councillor Coxshall stated that the project would not cost £10 million as the sale of part of the Civic Offices would reduce this spend.  Councillor Coxshall reminded Members that two years ago Members had agreed to fewer buildings, better services and stated that was what this project had planned to do. The project had plans to regenerate and make the most of Grays, with new homes being built and enhancing the entrance of the Civic Office so that it was near the station and formed part of the Grays Regeneration Project.

At 9.30pm the Mayor called the close of the meeting. The Mayor stated that the vote would now be undertaken for Motion 1 and the remaining motion would be heard and advised Councillor Huelin that she had three minutes to speak before the motion would be put to the vote.

The Mayor called a vote on Motion 1.

Councillor Pothecary requested a requisition vote. The results of which were:

For: Councillors Abbas, Akinbohun, Allen, Baker, Byrne, Chukwu, Fish, Fletcher, Gerrish, Holloway, J Kent, C Kent, Kerin, Liddiard, Massey, Mayes, Muldowney, Okunade, Pothecary, Potter, Ralph, Rice, Shinnick, Smith, Spillman and Worrall (26)

Against: Councillors Anderson, Collins, Coxshall, Halden, Hebb, Huelin, Jefferies, Johnson, Lawrence, Little, Piccolo, Redsell, Rigby, Sammons, Van Day and Watkins (16)

Abstained: (0)

Whereupon the Mayor declared the Motion carried.