PROPOSALS for a budget that will see a Council Tax increases within the government limit will go forward for approval later this month at a full meeting of Thurrock Council.

At their meeting on Wednesday (12 February) the council's Labour Cabinet approved budget proposals which include promised improvements to waste and recycling, better local healthcare and improving outdoor activities in the borough.

However, the budget still has to deliver a further £18.2 million in savings on this current financial year's planned expenditure - a target which is currently expected to be missed, though not by a huge margin.

The financial pressures on the council were outlined in a Thurrock Nub News report last month.

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 snd 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 will be just more than £104.

Council leader Cllr John Kent said: "This is a budget that delivers real improvements in the services we know matter most to our residents, makes significant savings and all without having to go to the government to ask for permission to put council tax up by more than 5%, something that Thurrock Council have had to do for the last two years and a great many other councils have been forced to do this year."

Cllr Sara Muldowney, portfolio holder for resources, said: "Residents deserve a council that acts as a good and responsible steward of public money, ensuring that every pound is spent wisely and in their best interests.

"That's why we are fixing past financial mistakes, tightening controls, and making smarter decisions to put the Council on a path to recovery.

"The budget is not just numbers on a spreadsheet, it's about making real improvements that people will see and feel.

"This budget delivers change in areas that matter most – securing funding for vital projects like Stanford-le-Hope rail station and protecting essential services that families rely on.

Stanford station cash is pledged.

"By making smarter financial decisions, we are turning the ship away from the financial mismanagement of the past, and making sure our community stays strong for the future."

Cllr Lyn Worrall, cabinet member for overall change and improvement said: "I'm incredibly proud of the work we have done across all services to deliver real budget savings for the council.

"This is a big step in our transformation journey and exactly what we mean when we say we want to be an enabling council—one that focuses on delivering for residents across the borough.

"These savings aren't just about balancing the books; they're about rethinking how we work, becoming more efficient, and making sure we're investing in the things that truly matter to our communities."

The council has issued a summary saying proposals in the budget include:

• more connected and local health services coming to neighbourhoods across the borough as part of the healthcare Integrated Locality Model
• better and easier home care services that will help those that need a helping hand maintain their independence
• making £11m available to complete improvements at Stanford-le-Hope railway station
• extending garden waste collections to all year round and freezing subscriptions costs for next year
• introducing innovative new recycling services that make it easier than ever to recycle clothes, books and small electrical items
• further investment to improve council homes
• funding for essential repairs at the Thameside Complex
• making improvements at Grangewaters

The full report to cabinet with summary details of financial issues can be found here. It includes a rise from £520 million to £691 million in capitalisation debt, the council expects still to have to fund by the end of the 2028/29 financial year - though the council is expected to have been abolished by then.

The report concludes that the council is unlikely to make its budget target of £19.866 million in savings in the current financial year, though it anticipates the margin of failure mag not be huge in comparative.

If and when a shortfall is identified, adjustments will be made to the proposed budget.

Other increases agreed by cabinet include a 2.7% increase in social housing rents.

There will also be rises in a large number of charges and fees.