Councillor Hebb began by stating that as Cllr Gledhill was unable to attend the Cabinet meeting, as Deputy Chair he would assume the position of Chair for this meeting. He began by discussing the success of the new ‘Stop It Strategy’ which tackles a number of enforcement issues across the borough. The strategy had already seen £1000 in rent paid from rogue landlords; and a halt in construction along Maldon Road due to a breach in planning control. He continued by stressing that there had been the continued use of traffic wardens along Manor Way to prevent HGV’s parking overnight, and that the Working Group were currently looking at ways to create permanent physical enforcement barriers. He continued by praising the work of the waste disposal team as fly-tips had been removed in as little as two days. He also discussed the Tesco store in Chadwell St Mary which had been fined £160,000 for failure to follow health and safety regulations in the petrol station.

The Chair continued by discussing the problems faced when dealing with anti-social tenants, and how the council were taking a strong stance in dealing with the issue, including writing warning letters and ultimately eviction. He felt that by doing this, issues such as gangs were being tackled, and the housing stock was opened up to people that needed it. He also noted that high visibility patrols were now being undertaken by the anti-social behaviour team, as well as increasing security by providing new front doors to those that needed them. The Chair then commented on the collaboration between the police and the council to tackle the issues of motorbikes and quad-bikes becoming nuisances down residential roads.

Speaking on behalf of the Leader, Councillor Hebb then moved on to discuss the positive activities that happened across the borough during the summer months. He informed Members that the Purfleet Fun Day, which took place on the Garrison Estate in August, highlighted how the community could come together effectively, and also mentioned the success of the Orsett Show, during which the main stage was sponsored by the council, and how 1000’s of people attended.

The Chair then updated Members on the Clean It, Cut It, Fill It Scheme. In doing so, Members heard that since April 1,314 potholes had been filled across the borough, which was 99% of all potholes. He continued by stating that 630 acres of grass had been cut; 703 fly-tips had been cleared; 737 tonnes of waste had been cleared; and over 1000 fixed penalty notices had been issued for anti-social behaviour such as littering. He developed this by stating that 77 prosecutions had been occurred after residents had not paid their fixed penalty notices. He emphasised that the council would always pursue people that did not pay their fines.

Briefings on Policy, Budget and Other Issues

Councillor Halden began by congratulating students on the excellent A-Level and GCSE results across the borough, and how he had personally seen the pupil’s excitement opening their results at St Clere’s, William Edwards, and Palmers. He stated that 100% of A-Level students had achieved at least 1 A-Level, which was an increase from 96.4% the previous academic year. He also commented that GCSE’s had become harder this year, with a new number grading system replacing the old lettering system, however GCSE results had increased across the borough with 62% of students now achieving a Grade 4 (equivalent to a C) or above. He drew special attention to schools such as Hassenbrook and Gateway which had climbed the rankings; as well as Harris and Grays Convent which had remained at the top. He went on to discuss the £270 million investment for 3,500 new school places from the government and the council to provide great life opportunities for young people in Thurrock. He also stated that this year more children had got their first choice school.

The Chair congratulated all the students who received their A-Level and GCSE results, but also stated that not everyone relies on these results and other alternative pathways were available for those that did not receive the grades they wanted. The Chair continued by discussing the first Fair Debt Summit that helped residents who wanted to pay their debt, both household and commercial. He stated that the Summit was split into two parts, the first part being education surrounding debt for young people. He described how between 35-40 teachers, head-teachers and Members attended to draw up an education package to help young people see the pathways to avoid debt, and how to find support systems. He congratulated the young people that gave excellent presentations on the day, which helped individuals see the longer term impacts of debts such as IVA’s. He then described how the second part of the day focused on people who wanted, but were unable, to clear their debts. The Chair discussed a report from the IRRV which gave the council very good feedback on how debt was dealt with in the borough. He acknowledged that more work was being done, and an external expert on debt vulnerabilities had given his input, along with 35-40 people during the second half of the Summit.