DESPITE opposition from Conservative and Reform councillors and abstentions by two independent members, Thurrock Council's Labour administration passed its 2025/6 budget last night.

In total 26 Labour members and four independents voted for the budget, ten Conservative and Reform councillor Alex Anderson voted against and two independents abstained after expressing concern about the veracity of the proposals.

The winning vote was therefore 30-11.

The budget was presented by council leader Cllr John Kent who said the budget was put together against a background of crippling debt and said: "This is a budget delivers not only for this financial year, but shows that we are taking firm control of spending to make sure that we sustainably maintain the services our residents' need."

Interim Conservative leader Cllr George Coxshall said his party opposed the budget and he was critical of Labour, saying: "They have not planned a transformation budget but have burned through our reserves.

"This budget does not prepare Thurrock Council or its staff, services and community to be positioned well.

"We need a budget that maximises Thurrock's potential., not one that returns smoke and mirrors to the process."

Passing the vote means the council tax has now been set for the coming financial year.

The council's share of the proposed increase is 2.99 per cent, which equates to a rise of just over £51 a year. The 'ring-fenced' adult social care precept will add a further £34.23.

And the average home's contribution for police and fire services will be going up. The Essex Police precept will be up by £13.95 a year, a 5.66% increase for a Band D property, taking the yearly total to £260.37p or £5 a week. For fire there will be a 5.99% increase (£4.95) for a Band D property taking the yearly total to £87.57 or £1.68p a week.  

In total the average home council tax rise in Thurrock for the coming year will be £2,145.06, an increase of £104.40 or 5.12%.

Cllr Sara Muldowney, the council's cabinet member for resources, said: "Budgets should not just be numbers on a spreadsheet, they should lead improvement in the areas that matter most to our residents.

"That is why this budget provides funding for vital project such as Stanford-le-Hope railway station, improvements in recycling and protecting services that families and rely on and all without asking the government for permission to increase council tax by more than 5%, something Thurrock Council had to do for the last two years' budgets, and something more local authorities than ever have done this year

"It is a budget that helps fix past financial mistakes, creates tighter controls for spending and helps us ensure Thurrock Council continues on the path of financial recovery.

"Residents deserve a council that act as a responsible steward of public money and this budget ensures that every pound is spent wisely and in the best interest of local people."

"This budget goes beyond simple numbers, it sets out a new way of working for Thurrock Council, becoming more efficient and carefully investing in the services and issues that truly matter most to our communities."

The debate and vote can be viewed via this link.