A LEADING Thurrock councillor and the borough's MP have welcomed news of an increase in funding for local health care.

Thurrock will receive £13,454,407 in the coming year to help drive key health services from smoking cessation to addiction recovery and children's health, and to help fund family and school nurses, sexual health clinics and other public services in the local area.

With a population of 183,737 that amounts to £72 per head, though population of the borough is expected to rise to 185,247 by the end of 2025.

Last year's grant was £12,770,647

Thurrock MP Jen Craft said: "After nearly a decade of cuts under the Tories, I am delighted that Labour are continuing to deliver on our promise to improve health outcomes across the country as part of our Plan for Change.

"People in Thurrock have been let down by years of underinvestment in the health of our community, with local NHS services put under increasing pressure as a result.

"This new funding will help drive key health services in our community, prevent people from falling into ill health, and relieve pressure on the NHS."

Cllr Mark Hooper, cabinet member for health and well-being, said: "I welcome the increase announced by the Government. It shows a commitment to the need to invest in prevention and to support people to live healthier lives.

"In Thurrock the grant pays for a wide range of locally delivered services including health visiting and school nursing services, sexual health and contraception services, drug and alcohol services, support for children and adults to achieve a healthy weight, support for people to stop smoking and other services that help residents to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle.

"This increase will give us more resources to help our residents lead healthier and happier lives."

Elsewhere in Essex communities have not fared as well as Thurrock. The public health allocation per head for Essex County Council has increased from £44.87 to £46.97. It follows a population increase from 1.534 million to 1.542million and the per head funding brings it back to levels in 2015/2016 when the population stood at 1.436m. The funding represents one of lowest allocations per head in the country.

Southend is set to receive £58 per head while Essex's other neighbours, Havering, Cambridge and Hertfordshire both marginally receive more than its allocation.