The Thurrock Council Cabinet met to discuss a range of issues, including local government reorganisation, devolution, and the adoption of a selective licensing scheme for private rented properties. The Cabinet approved the council's proposal for a four unitary authority model for local government reorganisation in Greater Essex, and agreed to submit it to the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution. They also endorsed the Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy and approved the designation of 16 out of 20 wards for selective licensing to improve housing conditions and reduce antisocial behaviour.

Greater Essex Local Government Reorganisation

The Cabinet approved Thurrock Council's proposal for a four unitary authority model for local government reorganisation in Greater Essex, and agreed to submit the plan to the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution on or before 26 September 2025.

Councillor Lynn Worrall, Chair of the Cabinet, introduced the report, highlighting that the proposal was developed after months of discussion and engagement, including with Thurrock residents. She said that the four unitary authorities would each have equivalent populations of around 500,000 and benefit from a major point of entry, either a port or airport. Each authority would also benefit from the expertise of one of the existing upper tier authorities (Thurrock, Southend, and Essex Council). The new councils would be kept close to the public by establishing Neighbourhood Area Committees.

Councillor Worrall stated:

I have previously explained why I felt it was necessary to put an alternative option to government, and I won't rehearse those arguments here now. But I will say, that more than ever, I believe that both the five-unitary and the 3-unitary model do not offer the right balance for the future of local government and the people of Essex. It would be wrong as the Leader of this council to not ensure the Government had a full range of proposals to consider, which they could then consult on before ultimately deciding.

During the discussion, Non-Executive Member Councillor Speight asked whether it would be appropriate to pause and reflect, given the lack of support for the proposal. Councillor Worrall responded that the timeline had been set by the government, and that the danger would be to not put forward a proposal. She added that she did not believe the three or five unitary council proposals would work for the people of Thurrock or Greater Essex.

Non-Executive Member Councillor Sammons raised concerns about local services and council tax levels. Councillor Worrall responded that the locations of depots would be for the new unitary councils to decide, and that the four unitary model would ensure the new unitary councils start on a sound financial footing. She added that the new unitary councils would harmonise council tax over a number of years, and that she would expect appropriate schemes to be put in place to support residents with any increases.

Non-Executive Member Councillor Fox questioned why a four-unitary model that 'looks to London' was being submitted, given that many residents fear being absorbed into larger or London-based authorities. Councillor Worrall responded that there was a zero chance of Thurrock becoming part of a London borough as a result of Local Government Reorganisation.

Non-Executive Member Councillor Jones said he was minded to support the five-council option because it gives maximum local representation, and asked how the Leader could justify diluting the impact of local councillors on local governance. Councillor Worrall responded that local representation was essential, but that the five unitary council option would not withstand the pressures.

Councillor J Kent supported the recommendation, stating that the five model does not work in the real world and the finances do not stack up, while the three model is too remote. He added that the four model does work and delivers on creating an authority that can deliver the services residents deserve.

The Cabinet delegated authority to the Assistant Chief Executive to submit Thurrock Council's LGR proposal for a four unitary authority model, and to make any amendments following consultation with the Leader and Deputy Leader. They also delegated authority to the Assistant Chief Executive to submit a joint covering letter to government, alongside Greater Essex partners.

Adoption of a Selective Licensing Scheme in Thurrock

The Cabinet approved the designation of 16 out of 20 wards in Thurrock for selective licensing for five years, with the aim of improving housing conditions, reducing antisocial behaviour, and ensuring landlords are held accountable for the management of their properties. The wards that will be included in the scheme are identified in Appendix 5 of the meeting agenda.

Councillor Mark Hurrell introduced the report, stating that the scheme would give the council the tools to raise housing standards, clamp down on irresponsible landlords, and ensure that the private rented sector plays its proper part in providing safe, secure, and well-managed homes for Thurrock residents.

Councillor Lee Watson queried when the scheme would apply to all 20 wards in Thurrock. Councillor Hurrell responded that the four wards that it currently does not apply to will be looked at when they meet the eligibility criteria.

Councillor Mark Hooper welcomed the report, stating that it is a proactive response to ensure residents are getting good quality housing, and that it gives power back to the tenants. Councillor Vikki Hartstean also welcomed the report, stating that she was surprised there wasn't oversight of this previously.

The Cabinet agreed that the Selective Licensing proposal Evidence Base in Appendix 4 met the legal requirement for introducing Selective Licensing designations on the grounds of poor property conditions, anti-social behaviour and high levels of deprivation. The Cabinet approved the Licence Conditions attached at Appendix 6 and the final fee structure as detailed in Appendix 7.

The Cabinet delegated authority to the Executive Director of Corporate Services to issue the required statutory notifications in relation to Selective Licensing, and to decide the date from which the council will begin to accept applications for a Selective Licensing Scheme. They also approved the procurement of a software application to support the effective administration, monitoring, and enforcement of the council's Selective Licensing Scheme for private rented housing.

Devolution

The Cabinet considered and consented to the laying and subsequent making of the Greater Essex Combined County Authority Regulations 2026, subject to Parliamentary approval. They also noted the progress made on the devolution programme since the last report to Cabinet in March 2025.

Councillor Worrall introduced the report, stating that devolution is an opportunity to shape the future of Essex on its own terms, and that it would unlock the power to lead the region's growth with ambition and purpose. She said that the Greater Essex Combined Authority would be led by an elected Mayor, and would draw down funding and powers from Government, allowing it to tackle challenges and seize opportunities in areas such as transport, skills, housing, regeneration, and the environment.

Councillor J Kent commented that devolution will move power and responsibility and decision-making closer to the communities affected by them. He added that he was against LGR being dealt with at the same time as devolution, and that devolution is critical and will always be over-shadowed by LGR.

Councillor Victoria Holloway commented that she has seen how strong other parts of the country have become through devolution, and that there is a need to involve residents with devolution as much as they have done with LGR. Councillor Watson agreed that Devolution is lost with LGR, and that businesses care about Devolution and what the Mayor can unlock for them.

The Cabinet delegated authority to the Assistant Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive / Managing Director Commissioner to approve any required changes to the draft regulations, and consent to the final version, prior to laying before Parliament.

Corporate and Improvement Plan

The Cabinet agreed to the Corporate and Improvement Plan 2025-2029 and recommended its adoption to Full Council on 22 October 2025 as part of the constitutional Policy Framework.

Councillor Worrall introduced the report, stating that the plan demonstrates the council's continued improvement journey, and sets out a clear direction for staff. She added that the plan incorporates the Improvement and Recovery Plan, and has been refocused and written through a co-designed approach with staff. The plan includes priorities such as financial stability, improvements in data and digital, making it easier for residents to interact with the council, locality-based working with a focus on prevention, and setting out a place proposition for Thurrock.

Councillor Holloway commented that the Corporate and Improvement plan is a really important document as it sets the ground work for the council to be accountable.

Local Plan Update

The Cabinet noted the progress made in developing the Thurrock Local Plan subsequent to the previous update report presented to Cabinet in February 2025.

Councillor Watson introduced the report, stating that the Local Plan is the blueprint for Thurrock's future, covering the period 2024 to 2044, and sets out how the council will plan for housing, jobs, infrastructure, and growth in a way that meets the needs of its communities. She added that the plan remains on track, with consultation on the final draft Regulation 19 version planned for Spring 2026, and adoption expected by early 2028. The plan will consider the implications of the Lower Thames Crossing and the Tilbury National Grid Network proposals.

Councillor Hooper queried the relevance of the plans with the development of Local Government Reorganisation. Councillor Watson responded that every council will have to have a local plan, and that it will give a blueprint for what can be done in the area. The Mayor will have an overarching strategic plan for the whole of Essex.

Councillor J Kent queried if the council is confident that they have the funding to complete the plan within the timescales stipulated. Councillor Watson responded that they do have the funding in place.

Councillor Worrall queried if the plan will protect Thurrock from the Mayor agreeing a large development. Councillor Watson responded that the plan will have designated areas which can be developed, and that the Mayor will look at strategic decisions like new towns and big infrastructure projects.

Endorsement of the Greater Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy

The Cabinet endorsed the Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) in Thurrock Council’s role as a Supporting Authority and recognised it as a material planning consideration in making planning decisions.

Councillor Watson introduced the report, stating that the strategy sets a shared vision to restore nature, protect wildlife, and create a richer, more resilient environment for future generations.

Councillor Holloway commented that the fact this was being dealt with under the Deputy Leaders portfolio shows how important it is and that they are thinking about this in everything.

Q1 Finance Report

The Cabinet noted the Q1 forecast position for the general fund, Housing Revenue Account, Dedicated Schools Grant, capital, asset disposal and divestment programmes and the capitalisation direction as presented in the report. They also approved adjustments to the 2025/26 general fund and Housing Revenue Account Capital Programmes, and recommended the revised programmes to full Council.

Councillor Valerie Morris-Cook introduced the report.

Councillor Holloway queried what taking a cautious approach to the numbers means. Councillor Morris-Cook responded that they have released £2.2 million as an underspend, and that there is also £4.5million for growth that has not been allocated yet.

Asset Disposal - Retail Parade Disposal

The Cabinet approved the disposal of the council's long leasehold interest (200 years) in the ground floor retail units of the 14 parades identified in Appendix 1, subject to existing commercial leases.

Councillor Morris-Cook introduced the report, explaining that this forms part of the asset disposal programme and is vital to put the council's finances on a sound footing. She added that minimum reserved prices have been set, and that tenants' rights will be maintained.

Councillor Cherry asked what the council will get for the shops, and whether there will be a full open and transparent public process. Councillor Morris-Cook responded that there will be a full, open and transparent process, but that she cannot publicly explain what the council will get for them.

Councillor Cherry raised concerns that start-up businesses won't be able to afford the shops if they are sold. Councillor Morris-Cook responded that the council is selling the lease, and that tenants' leases remain legally protected and their businesses will continue.

Councillor J Kent stated that there is a need to constantly remind people that the council is essentially bankrupt, and that divesting the council of being landlords for shops allows the council to concentrate in things that it should be concentrating on and bringing down the debt.

The Cabinet delegated authority to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer¹ and the Cabinet Member for Finances and Resources, to finalise terms and proceed with the disposal of each asset, ensuring best consideration is achieved. They also noted the requirement to adjust the council's Medium Term Financial Strategy to reflect annual loss of revenue from disposals of any income producing assets.