URL: https://democracy.thurrock.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=941

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Councillor Morris-Cook introduced the report to the committee.   Councillor Hartstean commented that it was a great document and she was looking forward to doing some work on it. Councillor Hartstean highlighted the comments made on pages 34, 35 and 37 that residents wanted better engagement and communication and they were tired of not being listened to and that people had lost faith in Thurrock Council’s ability to deliver what it has promised.   Councillor Morris-Cook agreed that it was a brutally honest document and that the only way to learn is to listen.   Councillor J Kent commented that it is an interesting document that has come at an interesting time too. The difficult job now is moving this from something theoretical to something practical. Councillor J Kent stated that it needs to be in a language that residents understand and the timescales also need to be worked out because in three years time Thurrock Council will cease to exist but the communities will remain. The new council will be larger and it will need to ensure the communities will still be heard. Councillor J Kent congratulated Councillor Morris-Cook on the work she has put into it.   Councillor Worrall agreed with Councillor J Kent and stated that it is the platform to lead the transformation to help communities run our services. Councillor Worrall thanked Councillor Morris-Cook and Councillor Muldowney for making sure residents turned up to the consultations. Councillor Worrall commented that 30 years ago when she was living in a high rise with two small boys, she set up a summer play network at the green at the bottom of the flats. Shops donated and they set up games and activities on the green. They then started a tenants group as there was nothing for children to do on the estate and started to apply for funding to pay for play equipment. A little bit of funding, passion and volunteering can make a real difference in communities. Councillor Worrall stated that she was looking forward to receiving regular updates on the report.   Councillor Morris-Cook extended her thanks to officers and all three councillors for Chadwell.   RESOLVED:   Cabinet agreed to:   2.1For Chadwell St Mary: 2.1.1     Welcome and endorse the Community Plan for Chadwell St Mary. 2.1.2     Agree to the council allocating existing resources to support the community in delivering the priorities outlined in the plan. 2.1.3     Note the allocation of seed funding from community budgets to help the local community develop and deliver local solutions to local issues as referenced at 5.11.3   2.2For the wider borough:   2.2.1.1                  Agree a new council approach to two-way engagement with communities, promising that the council will listen, react, respond and feedback. 2.2.2     Agree to a transformation of the council’s approach to local service delivery, making local the default, and residents the focus, acknowledging that this will require new cross-council ways of working. 2.2.3     Support the creation of a new cross-council working group to explore and develop plans for local service delivery in each of Thurrock’s main neighbourhoods, based on local priorities, and local funding pots. 2.2.4     Support the scoping of plans to ensure residents in every part of Thurrock can access key services on their doorstep through a hub and spoke model of community provision. 2.2.5     Acknowledge and welcome the contribution local voluntary and community organisations can make to the development and delivery of local plans.    

Date of Decision: June 18, 2025