THURROCK Council is facing a call for an internal review after it was revealed that nearly £37,000 worth of technical equipment has gone missing over the past five years.

A Freedom of Information request has revealed that from January 2021 to date, 133 laptops and mobile phones valued at £23,117 were not returned by outgoing staff.

In addition, 77 devices worth £13,872—including a £626 laptop and a £125 mobile phone—have been reported lost or stolen.

The figures have raised concerns about asset management and data security at the council, which is still grappling with the fallout from its financial crisis.

Councils across the UK lose millions of pounds worth of devices each year, all of which must be replaced using public funds. Beyond the financial cost, missing devices can pose serious risks of data breaches if they are not properly secured.

Council laptops and phones have gone missing

Many local authorities have introduced safeguards such as encryption and multi-factor authentication to protect sensitive information. Thurrock Council says it has an ICT usage policy in place, along with asset tracking and regular monitoring. A "leavers policy" is also used to remind departing staff to return equipment once their notice is logged in the HR system.

However, Independent councillor Gary Byrne, who represents The Homesteads ward, says the current system is failing.

He said: "It comes as no surprise to me that around £37,000 worth of technology equipment has gone missing from Thurrock Council. What this highlights is a deeper cultural problem that still exists within the civic offices—an institutionalised mentality where too many have yet to grasp the reality that Thurrock is a bankrupt authority."

He added: "There remains a lack of ownership, accountability and basic understanding that every penny belongs to the residents we serve. Until that mindset changes, these kinds of failings will continue to undermine public trust and confidence in the council."

Mr Byrne is now calling for a full internal review to determine how the losses occurred, what controls failed, and what steps will be taken to prevent future incidents.

"The public deserves transparency and reassurance that lessons will be learned. What they do not need are excuses," he said.

Thurrock Council said: "A spokesperson for Thurrock Council said: "All council ICT equipment is secured and encrypted to protect data and prevent unauthorised access.

"Digital equipment is the property of the council and staff and managers are required to return them when they are no longer needed. When equipment is not returned action is taken to recover it.

"New initiatives such as encouraging staff to have council e-sims on their own phones and rolling out Microsoft Teams more widely across Thurrock Council will help to reduce reliance on council supplied smart phones and devices; we have already reduced the number of phone contacts by 497."