THURROCK’S Portfolio Holder for Finance and Legal has told fellow councillors the council will not shy away from being commercial in order to generate money for vital public services. Cllr Shane Hebb presented his report to the meeting of the Full Council (26 October) and set out the council’s vision for an aspirational and innovative Thurrock.The report outlines the successful Legal Shared Service Team, BDT Legal, between Thurrock and Barking & Dagenham Councils, which has been providing legal services to Brentwood District Council for over two years, as well as other clients.Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Hebb said: “In a time when councils have extra pressures on their budgets, we have to be smarter about how this is managed.”This council will be unashamedly pro-revenue growth. This is money which can be ploughed back into and protect public services our residents rely on.”We believe that to make ends meet, we need to save pennies but also continue to be inventive about earning some more.”Which means, investing in the right things with the right rate of return, as well as not just talking about being open for business, but actually doing business with other authorities and organisations.”Where our teams provide an exemplary service, which would rival any private firm, we would look to make that service available to the market.”Let’s get moving on the Thames Estuary Machine and advance our common cause agenda for a vibrant, industry-proud region.
