Mark Whitehead 08 June 2023

Cash-strapped Thurrock to hike charges

Cash-strapped Thurrock to hike charges image
Image: Philographer / Shutterstock.com.

Beleaguered Thurrock Council is set to increase charges for its services to help deal with its cash crisis.

It will mean higher costs for planning applications, burials, cremations and marriages in a bid to raise an extra £114,000 a year.

The council is in debt of around £1.5bn after borrowing hundreds of millions of pounds, mainly from other councils, to invest largely in financial bonds linked to solar energy farms.

It is already borrowing £836m in Government loans and has been told an extra £632m bailout is likely to be approved to prop up its finances over the next two years.

Earlier this year the Government stripped the authority of its powers and it is now run by commissioners and finance officers from Essex County Council.

A financial report said the increase from 1 October will enable the council to generate essential income for the funding of council services.

Increases include marriages and civil ceremonies going up from £590 to £610, a third visitor parking permit rising from £15 to £75 and burials costing £990, up from £930.

An NHS parking pass for carers and community nurses will rise from £120 per year to £151.

The report says the new fees and charges will ensure that the council is 'competitive with other service providers and neighbouring councils'.

It says the ability to vary charges within the financial year will enable services to more flexibly adapt to changing economic conditions.

Sign up here to receive our free daily news and jobs bulletin.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Domestic Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,290.27 to £12,494.05, pro rata. Grade 3.
We are recruiting a 20 hour Domestic Assistant to join us at Hazel Garth care home. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Child and Family Worker

Wakefield Council
£14,888.50 to £16,038.00, pro rata. Grade 7
At Wakefield we have adopted a restorative model in every aspect of our practice with children and families. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Customer Service Advisor x2

Wakefield Council
£24,294 to £25,979, Grade 5.
We're looking for friendly and adaptable individuals who enjoy giving top quality customer service. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Street Works Permit Officer - WMF1034e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£32,076 - £33,024
The Street works Permit Officer role within the Highways Service Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Vehicle Workshop Mechanic - WMF1042e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£35,745 - £36,648
We are looking for qualified level 3 Vehicle Mechanic’s with a passion for vehicle maintenance. Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.