OUTLINE plans for Thurrock's new Freeport have now been submitted to the government – and they could be rubber-stamped by the end of this year.

The Thames Freeport, which will bring DP World's London Gateway port, the Port of Tilbury, the planned Thames Enterprise Park and the Ford car company together as the lynchpin organisations behind the plan to create a local area where trade can flourish as normal tax and customs rules do not apply.

At a freeport, imports can enter with simplified customs documentation and without paying tariffs. Businesses operating inside designated areas in and around the port can manufacture goods using the imports and add value, before exporting again without ever paying the full tariff on the original goods they imported.

The Thurrock scheme was one of eight across the country penciled in by the government in March and invited to submit plans for the freeport's operation. That document was submitted to the government on Friday (30 July) and will be followed shortly by a more detailed submission, There are hopes that the full status of 'Freeport' could be granted by the end of the year.

Thurrock Council, which says the freeport will generate more than £4.5 billion in new public and private investment in jobs, skills, communities and infrastructure, has worked to support the major companies behind the bid and its cabinet portfolio holder for regeneration, strategic planning and external relationships, Cllr Mark Coxshall, says: "Working alongside our private sector and London borough partners as well as the government we have developed a robust business case for the Thames Freeport to ensure we can be one of the first fully operational freeports this year and cement our status as the ports capital of the UK.

"We want everyone to know that Thurrock is a leading player within the national economy and we are determined to seize this unique opportunity to level-up our communities and unlock countless opportunities for residents who live and work in our borough including thousands of new jobs on our doorstep."