THURROCK Council and several of its housing contractors and consultants have teamed up to deliver food hampers to 50 vulnerable residents across Thurrock.

Housing contractors Mears, Wates Living Space, Axis and Kensa Contracting and consultants Pellings and Potter Raper, whose net contract value to the council is in excess of £110 million, partnered with the council to provide hampers for those residents who are most in need.

A representative from Wates Living Space with a resident and their festive hamper.

Residents were identified by the council's financial inclusion officers who offer benefit, debt and budgeting advice and work in partnership with other services. 

The hampers, made up of a £10 voucher for meat, potatoes, vegetables, selection box, mince/apple pies, crackers, tins of custard and more, were delivered on Tuesday, 20 December in time for their recipients to enjoy over the festive period.

Cllr Luke Spillman, cabinet member for housing , said: "I'm heartened that so many of our housing contractors who are involved in different aspects of works, including repairs, maintenance and our capital works programmes, and consultancy firms who we are working with on projects, have come together to help 50 of our vulnerable residents.

"When the festive period can be so challenging, it's partnership work like this that makes all the difference. When we procure our contractors, they not only work to provide the best possible service, but also ensure that the local community benefits from social value opportunities and funds. 

"I would like to thank all those who have contributed towards the festive hampers for their support, it really is appreciated, and wish their staff a Merry Christmas."

Axis team members dressed up to deliver festive hampers to residents in Thurrock.

Of the contractors involved in the Christmas hamper project Wates have contracts in place with the council worth £35.2 million, Mears top the list at £60.7 million, Kensa's contract is £5.96 million, Pellings have a £450,000 consultation contract associated with the borough's tower blocks and Potter Raper also have a consultancy deal worth £581,000.

Axis has been involved in delivering the botched and much delayed £9 million project to re-clad tower blocks in South Grays.