THURROCK Council paid out more than £4million in exit packages over the last two years, latest figures show.

The Government released figures for the cost of exit payments to civil servants in England show Thurrock paid £2,509,000 to 40 exiting staff in 2023/24 and £1,867,000 to 50 leavers in 2024/25 – a total of £4,376,000.

Thurrock Council, whose debts hit £1 billion in the wake of a spate of disastrous investments in solar energy companies, has sought to slash staff to become leaner and more cost efficient.

However, as recently detailed in a Thurrock Nub News story, the council has significantly expanded the number of high earners on its payroll. Significantly more than 30 people now earn more than £100,000 - and that does not include a number of consultant or interim appointments.

A number of senior officers have also joined - and quickly left - the authority over recent months, a high 'churn' of officers that is likely to have come with substantial pay-offs.

The CEO of the council's salary is believed to be more than £240,000, but no updated figures are available,

It's not just officers who are cashing in, at last month's full council meeting, Labour members outvoted opposition councillors and created two new 'deputy cabinet member' posts with allowances of just under £6,000 each.

A spokesperson for Thurrock Council said: "Like all local authorities, Thurrock has had to make significant savings which has unfortunately resulted in redundancies. Redundant employees are entitled by law to redundancy payment.

"Under the Local Government Pension Scheme, older employees may be entitled to early release of their pension entitlements, the Council is required by the regulations governing the Pension Scheme to contribute to the Pension Fund to meet pension strain costs. The figures submitted to government reflect both these costs.

"Overall, in 2023/24 and 2024/25, the Council made £28,163,000 net savings."

Exit packages often include a financial payout like severance pay and other benefits.

These packages are negotiated between the employer and employee and can provide a financial cushion for the employee and ensure a smooth departure for both parties. An exit package can cover basic entitlements, statutory redundancy pay, additional compensation, and benefits such as training costs.