AHEAD of a meeting this evening when there is expected to be close scrutiny of Thurrock Council's standard of housing repairs and the problems of damp and mould, the authority's new lead councillor for housing has issued a statement outlining his thoughts.

Cllr Luke Spillman, whose council career has never veered far from the controversial as he was first elected as a UKIP stalwart, then switched to the Thurrock Independent Group, has covered a number of topics in what is almost a valedictory pronouncement on his days as a rebel and he is now very much at the forefront of the Conservative Cabinet after his after his recent election win in South Ockendon.

Once an outspoken critic of many aspects of local Conservative policies, his inclusion as a trusted member of the council's inner sanctum was confirmed with his appointment as housing portfolio holder – which brings an additional allowance of £11,710.83, in addition to his basic allowance of £9,368.67.

He has now laid out his priorities for the coming year – and he has brushed aside much to criticism levelled at the department over recent months by residents, the media and opposition councillors.

Cllr Spillman says: "The last few years have been very challenging for all housing departments. However, I have inherited a department, that has been led admirably through these difficult times.

"The department is more responsive, reflective and better staffed, despite being considerably leaner than it has been in many years. The outgoing Portfolio Holder, Director and Assistant Director together with all our staff deserve considerable praise. This exceptional groundwork has given me greater scope than my predecessors have enjoyed.

"We must expand the provision of in-borough and council provided temporary accommodation. Doing so will prevent many homeless families from being detached from their support networks, whilst providing far better value for money for the taxpayer. A report will be presented to September's Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

"Homeless Departments across the country are braced for an increased level of homelessness cases as a result of the pandemic. We will make sure that adequate resource and preparation is in place to meet any increase in demand.

"Thurrock's management of damp and mould is much improved. We will work closely with tenants, contractors and advisory bodies to drive further improvements.

"Some of our housing stock is ageing, and beyond effective repair. We will replace these units with the new better quality homes our tenants deserve.

"Increasing the opportunity for Thurrock residents to enjoy the security of homeownership or a secure tenancy is a key priority. Financial constraints, and then the pandemic, have prevented the Council from meeting this priority. However, I am now able to charge officers with significantly upscaling our house building ambitions once more.

"We will expand our supported housing provision such as Head Start Housing, Housing First, care leaver support etc reducing the need for expensive out-of-borough placements that can leave our vulnerable residents feeling isolated.

"There is never an excuse for poor customer service, whilst every blip in performance needs to be embraced as a learning opportunity to inform future performance improvement. Housing will be a reflective department that embraces change.

"If residents believe there are other priorities I should add, don't hesitate to get in touch with me [email protected]."

Cllr Spillman's address to borough residents issued via the local Conservative group was delivered by local conservatives, just hours after this critical report was published on Thurrock Nub News.

This evening (Tuesday, 22 June) members of the council's housing overview and scrutiny committee will debate the state of the borough's housing.