SENIOR Thurrock councillors have agreed a proposal to make the 'arms length' but wholly-owned management company that looks after its house-building programe more independent.

Over recent months there has been much controversy over the role and management of Thurrock Regeneration Limited and its subsidiary housing company with political rivals on the council at significant odds about its effectiveness and legitimacy.

Concern was sparked by the resignation of directors in 2020 and continued over who would step up to take charge of the company - with opposition councillors leading a fight against senior council directors taking sole responsibility for decision-making without reference to elected members.

There has been much rhetoric on the subject but – and a very compatible meetings of councillors who make up the authority's general service committee this evening - there was undoubtedly an accord about the way forward.

The members agreed an option which would see the recruitment of independent directors based on 'the the skills and expertise they would bring to the company, helping to bring a commercial culture to the organisation.'

Councillors agreed this would 'provide distance between key council decision-makers and the company's decision-makers to ensure there is no conflict of interest'.

Directors could be recruited from commercial businesses, local communities and from relevant national organisations such as Homes England.

Councillors agreed that the directors would be added to report back to the general services committee, as well as the council's cabinet, at a gap of no longer than six months – ideally coming to meetings 'when they have something to report.'

A report put forward by regeneration portfolio holder Cllr Mark Coxshall was supported.