The Motion, as printed in the Agenda, was proposed by Councillor Jones and seconded by Councillor Snell who reserved his right to speak later. The Motion read as follows:

In light of recent events where the Borough of Thurrock was brought to a virtual standstill on the 28th January and 9th February because of events relating to the Dartford crossing, we request that Thurrock Council send a letter to both Essex Police and Essex Fire and Rescue Services to rethink their proposals to drastically cut essential services to the borough of Thurrock and work with Highways England on an action plan to combat the chronic congestion that affects the whole Borough during such incidents.

A proposed amendment to Motion 2 had been submitted by Councillor Gledhill and seconded by Councillor Halden.

In light of recent events where the Borough of Thurrock was brought to a virtual standstill on the 28th January and 9th February because of events relating to the Dartford Crossing, we request that Thurrock Council send a letter to both Essex Police and Essex Fire and Rescue Services to work with Thurrock Council and Highways England on an action plan to combat the chronic congestion that affects the whole Borough during such incidents.

Councillor Gledhill thanked Councillor Jones for putting the Motion forward. The amendment was proposed to differentiate the interpretation of the need of change for the two services and how they should be working with external partners to ensure they were able to implement the efficiencies they proposed. Councillor Gledhill reminded Members of the two recent congestion incidents and stated that having reductions in the Police and Fire Services would not have made any difference in these situations and that the Government could not be blamed for high winds and diesel spills.

Councillor Gledhill stated that the proposals for change that have been put forward would not affect their ability to respond to calls and stated what needed to be done was for the  Police, Fire Service, Thurrock Council and Highways England to get together to talk and ensure when incidents like these happen they were dealt with appropriately.

Councillor C. Holloway stated he was in support of the original Motion, as further retraction of services would affect the health and safety of the borough.

Councillor Speight stated that he agreed with the original Motion, it covered all the ground needed but stated that any further discussions should be wider ranged across the borough to ensure that the Ports were included in strategic discussions.

Councillor Hebb stated that having a plan between the Council, Highways England and the emergency services was vital and supported Councillor Gledhill’s amendment.

Councillor J. Kent, spoke against Councillor Gledhill’s amendment and confirmed that the Chief Executive had met with the Police at a high level since those two incidents to look at a plan to get police officers onto key roundabouts and junctions and keep the traffic flowing. Councillor J. Kent stated that this could not be done if cuts were continually being made to the Police Service.

Councillor Jones summed up by stating how passionate he was about the proposed cuts to Essex Police and Essex Fire and Rescue and Thurrock should be considered as a special case as it is the industrial hub of Essex. Councillor Jones stated to Members that these cuts were unacceptable and that if a major incident did occur there may not be sufficient services available to cope.

Councillor Halden stated that bringing Fire and Police Service was a good way forward together but no number of resources could fix these congestions.

Councillor Snell stated that some perspective was needed on the situation was required and there was no need to change the Motion.

Councillor Gledhill stated that it would be the tax payers who would pay for any extra services.

Councillor Jones agreed that shared premises between the Essex Police and Essex Fire and Rescue was a good idea.

The Deputy Mayor called a vote on the Cllr Gledhill’s amendment. The Chamber voted overwhelmingly against the amendment and the Deputy Mayor declared the amendment lost.

The Deputy Mayor called a vote on the original Motion:

For                   :           26

Against            :           0

Abstain            :           12

The Deputy Mayor declared the Motion was carried.