Greg Clark announces additional intervention procedures at Thurrock Council to safeguard essential services

Today, 2 September 2022, Local Government Secretary Greg Clark announced plans to intervene in Thurrock Council to address severe concerns about the council’s financial management and the danger this creates to local services.

Essex County Council has been designated as the Commissioner and Best Value Inspector, giving them complete oversight of Thurrock Council’s financial duties and the authority to determine whether there are failings in other activities that pose a danger to services.

Within the first three months of the 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 reaction to strong concerns over the council’s extraordinary amount of financial danger and debt.

Local Government Secretary Greg Clark said:

“Given the serious financial situation at Thurrock Council and its potential impact on local services, I believe it is necessary for government to intervene.

“I strongly believe that when a council gets into difficulties its local government neighbours should be the preferred source of help in turning it around.

“I know that Essex County Council possesses the expertise and ability to help its local government neighbour. Working together, I believe the councils can deliver the improvements local people expect and deserve.”

In its capacity as Commissioner, Essex County Council will assume responsibility of all duties related to the financial governance and oversight of the authority’s strategic financial decision-making.

The Best Value Inspection will evaluate the effect of the council’s governance, audit (internal and external), risk management, overview, and scrutiny functions on service delivery.