FOR the second-year in succession Thurrock Council has been shortlisted as one of just six finalists for Local Authority of the Year in The Municipal Journal (MJ) Local Government Achievement Awards 2020.

Council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "Being shortlisted two years in a row for such a prestigious award is an extremely significant achievement and shows that we are going above and beyond in serving the borough and its residents and businesses.

"We are an innovative and forward-looking local authority who puts our residents first. Being named as a finalist two years in a row shows that we are truly leaders in our field. I am extremely proud of all those who work hard at, or with, the council to achieve this nomination. It is a testament to their dedication and commitment."

In shortlisting Thurrock Council the MJ says: "Thurrock Council is a previous ­finalist and has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt, prosper and grasp socioeconomic opportunities. Its leadership of the place agenda is impressive and the council unapologetically aspires to deliver for both businesses and residents."

The winner will be announced at an online ceremony set to take place in October.

News of the shortlisting comes after an upbeat financial report last night (Wednesday, 22 July) when Cllr Shane Hebb, Cabinet Member for Finance, presented a report to the authority's cabinet which confirmed that Thurrock Council had delivered a balanced budget between April 2019 and March 2020, reserves had increased and income from investment activity was achieved above what was planned.

Last year Thurrock Council added more than £5.8 million to its reserves, taking the total reserves up by 131% since 2016 and putting Thurrock is in a strong financial position to adjust to the post-COVID world.

Cllr Hebb said: "The report presented yesterday is the last rear-view mirror look at council finances where COVID doesn't dominate the landscape.

"Our financial management means that we have not only delivered a balanced budget and maintained an £11 million balance, we have also been able to increase our reserves by £5.8 million.

"We have always put money aside for a rainy day and now that policy will stand us in good stead as we weather the storm which will follow the coronavirus pandemic.

"The council's financial resilience reserves have increased from £8m in 2016, to £18.5m in 2020.

"This increased resilience is possible thanks to our investment strategy which brought in more than £35 million last year alone.

"This means we have been able to go above and beyond and commit to funding additional services like extra police officers in the borough, tackling anti-social behaviour and improving our local environment.

"That improved resilience also enables us to have a more considered approach to service reviews, ensuring that we can provide good quality public services that are efficient and suited for need, along with funding the discretionary services - that councils do not have to do - which residents have asked for."