Some of us have great ambition for Thurrock. We want it to be the best it can be and to offer the best services and amenities for those who live and work here.
Over the last twelve years I have fought for millions of pounds worth of investment in Thurrock. We have seen the construction of new free schools in Chafford, Purfleet and Tilbury with more on the way. I secured £80m of investment from National Highways to deliver improvements to Junction 30. And I was able to successfully campaign for the new Freeport. The opportunities in Thurrock are recognised across Government.
Sadly this record of success has been less good where delivery rests with Thurrock Council. It is now five years since monies were secured for the development of Grays underpass and the High Street. Regeneration of Purfleet has been promised for over a decade. I advised the Council I had no confidence in PCRL’s ability to deliver back in 2016 and was promised the first houses would be completed in 2018. We still have none despite millions of taxpayers money handed over. And the promised Tilbury IMC has only made progress thanks to the Towns Board.
It is no wonder that residents are so cynical. Who can blame them when the track record for delivery is so poor.
But this tolerance of failure has gone on long enough. The organisational capability must be addressed. I don’t blame Labour councillors for using these things as a stick to beat the Conservatives but the truth is that these are failings of internal management, not politics. And if they are made the subject of politics then those accountable are let off the hook.
But equally it isn’t good enough to simply blame officers for these failings. If Members fail to give challenge then they are failing us as residents and taxpayers to ensure delivery. Collectively things can be done better and if we want the best for the people of Thurrock we all have a role in making sure that they are.