IN the wake of this evening's consecutive 'full' meetings of Thurrock Council (caused by the abandonment of June's meeting because of technical difficulties), the authority's press team have released a number of releases highlighting the reports of senior councillors who have eulogised about how successful the council is.

For example, recently appointed education portfolio holder Cllr Barry Johnson champions the success of education in the borough, highlighting last year's academic results. The council is directly responsible for one school in the borough.

He said: "Despite the many challenges of the pandemic our schools, early years and other education settings have shown resilience and some truly fantastic results that must be commended.

"Results in English and Maths reached new highs in 2020, with 48.3% of learners achieving 9-5 (high) in English and Maths compared to the average of 38.2% in 2019 and also exceeding the national average of 46.3% for 2020. In any year this would be a tremendous achievement but with the extra pressures pupils were under last year it is even more impressive.

"A staggering 86% of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP's) maintained by Thurrock in 2020 were also completed within the statutory twenty week timescale, compared to the 59% completion rate for the East of England.

Cllr Johnson also highlighted the 'fantastic strengths of our children's social care services.'

His full report can be read here.

Despite many, many stories in the media including Thurrock Nub News and the national press highlighting appalling failures of care and service in social housing in the borough, Cllr Luke Spillman cabinet member for housing, championed the borough's record.

Presenting the latest housing report he said: "2020/21 is the strongest performing year for overall tenant satisfaction since measuring tenant satisfaction began in 2013/14.

"Year-on-year the housing service continues to improve and deliver for our residents and I'm impressed with the continued determination and hard work of the team."

He said that more than 75 per cent of tenants reported being "very satisfied" or "fairly satisfied" with the neighbourhoods and services offered through monthly tenant satisfaction surveys. Cynics might report that as one in four were not happy!

Cllr Spillman's full report can be read here.

Another senior councillor who appeared to discount a year of adverse publicity and problems in her portfolio, which has recently included the announcement of closures of much-loved day centres - was Cllr Deb Heulin, cabinet member for adults and communities, showcased the council's work in adult social care and in supporting the borough's communities over the past year.

She said: "Cllr Huelin said: "Despite the complex issues we have faced throughout the pandemic, our teams across adult social care and community services have ensured they continue to offer the best possible care and services to our residents across the borough.

"A key priority over the coming months is our work on the Collaborative Communities Framework, co-produced through our Stronger Together Partnership with the CVS and other voluntary sector and health colleagues, to empower our communities."

Cllr Huelin's full report can be read here.