THE l;eader of Thurrock Council's opposition Labour Group has warned resdeints can expect another near 10 per cent council tax increase next year.

In a not so festive December message, Cllr John kent says 'The Conservatives have broken Thurrock' as he commented on the first tranche of the £75 million of savings the government has deemed the authority need to make over the next five years.

 The savings proposals for 2024-5, totalling more than £18 million, have been put forward by the council's ruling Conservative group and include ending weekly bin services and charging for garden waste, the effective closure of the council's youth service, cuts to care packages for vulnerable residents and increasing fees and charges by more than £300,000.

Cllr Kent adds: "Even with these eye-watering savings, the Tories will not be able to set a balanced budget without another huge Council Tax increase.

"It is understood the Tories are looking to ask for permission to impose an increase similar to last year's 10% hike, and another government bail out in the form of a  of tens of millions. 

"As we begin the process of trying to set a balanced council budget, for next year, it is clear the Conservatives have broken Thurrock.

 "They have bankrupted the council with their reckless dodgy dealings and saddled us all with a toxic Tory Debt of over a billion pounds.

 "As a result, a whole generation of Thurrock people won't get the services they deserve and we will all be paying much, much more for much, much less.

 "These savings are the first of the £75 million needed – as well as selling over £100 million of council land and property and another punishing Council Tax increase.

 "Once again it is the hard working men and women of our borough that will be paying the price for the Tories cavalier approach to the council's finances."