AT a recent full council meeting, cllr Peter Smith questioned the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Leader of Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill on the state of residents complaints over repair contractors failing to attend appointments.
Cllr Peter Smith said: "It is unacceptable that the Council’s private contractors have failed in attendance at over 1600 appointments in the last year.
"I find it deeply disappointing that the former Labour administration found it acceptable for a private contractor to fail to attend in 10% of appointments when they signed the contact to outsource the work. It is a shame the former Labour administration’s drive for privatisation, on unfavourable terms for residents will continue to hurt Thurrock in years to come.
"Private companies will usually pay a fee if they fail to turn up to an appointment by two hours and I think this is something we should look to have in Thurrock. Our residents are getting a poor service while our Council is still footing the bill, it is not right that we are stuck in a lose, lose situation."
