MP’s, Thurrock Council and the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation (DC) have all reacted to the news that the DC is to be absorbed into the council next March.
Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle Price said: “I welcome this decision. It has always been this Government’s intention to bring back local accountability to planning decisions. We have also said that in meeting the demands of reducing the costs of Government we would be looking to reduce the number of Quangos.
Nonetheless much of the work that the Development Corporation is engaged in will transform the Borough for the better. There was a risk that by simply winding it up we would lose a lot of good work in progress. I am therefore extremely pleased that the Minister has decided to transfer the body to the local council.
I think it fair to say that the Council’s record on Planning and Development has not been the best. I think it will be of huge benefit to the Council to be able to take in the expertise of the Development Corporation’s very able staff. And it will bring much needed accountability to the Development Corporation’s activities.
The impact on jobs has yet to be made clear. However I would emphasise that the DC was due to be wound up in 2014 and that the jobs would disappear then in any case. Under Labour, the DC would have been absorbed into the HCA which would also have consequences for jobs. By absorbing the DC into the council, staff will have more opportunities to secure their long term employment as a result of early notice of this decision.”
South Basildon and East Thurrock MP Steven Metcalfe has also applauded the decision. He said: “I believe that this is a decision in the right direction. Many of my constituents have always felt uncomfortable that an unelected body has such a major influence over their lives.
“Indeed at a meeting of Butts Lane residents in Stanford-le-Hope recently over the issues of planning, this was one of the major area of concern and frustration.”
“Working together, may see the vision retained but planning power retained in the hands of those elected.”
Chief Executive Thurrock Council Graham Farrant said: “This news is very welcome, highlighting as it does, national government’s confidence in Thurrock Council to work with the development corporation over the next year or so and then to move forward with the community-based regeneration schemes that will provide so many benefits for people living and working here.
“Today’s news ensures that local decisions are taken at a local level, by local people.
“We have been working ever-more closely with the DC in recent months and we have had initial discussions about how the planning and regeneration teams can be integrated seamlessly.
“Obviously we will also be working closely with Communities and Local Government on the resources that come with this decision — resources for infrastructure and resources to support delivery of this exciting agenda.”
Chief Executive DC Niall Lindsay said: “The Development Corporation was conceived and always intended to be a short-term delivery vehicle to drive the regeneration effort in Thurrock forward and assist with capacity building at the Council.
“Everyone at the Corporation is immensely proud of the portfolio of truly transformational regeneration projects that we have put together with the Council as a key partner over the last six years and we are absolutely committed to ensuring that the projects are firmly anchored over the next 18 months for the benefit of Thurrock and the communities within it as we manage the change and transition of responsibilities to the Council.”
Leader of Thurrock Council Cllr John Kent said: “I know the DC’s teams and I know the council’s teams and I am sure we will come together to forge ahead with the many exciting schemes that will help make Thurrock a truly amazing place in years to come.
“We have been working behind the scenes — with the Government — to develop this proposal and it will be debated at full council next Wednesday.
“I am confident that everyone involved — from the council, the corporation and the government — will do all that is necessary to ensure this is a success.”
