TODAY, during Prime Minister’s Questions, James McMurdock MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock challenged the Prime Minister on the dire financial situation facing Thurrock residents. He highlighted the devastating “triple whammy” of a 50% rise in council tax, severely reduced public services, and a staggering £1 billion in emergency loans borrowed by Thurrock Council.
Addressing the Prime Minister, Mr. McMurdock said:
“The residents of my constituency in South Basildon and East Thurrock are facing a triple whammy of increased council tax of 50%, reduced public services, and borrowing on a billion pounds worth of emergency funding, which is 1% above base. That 1% is approximately £10 million per year going to the Treasury—money that could be spent on frontline services in Thurrock. Will the Prime Minister commit to reducing that rate so the money can go where it belongs?”
In response, the Prime Minister acknowledged the issue, stating:
“I thank him for his question. The last government made life even more difficult for councils needing exceptional financial support by charging a premium on borrowing. That was the wrong decision, which had a huge impact on vital services, and we will be taking a different approach. We are delivering, in real terms, an increase in core public government spending power, and that will benefit his constituents.”
This week, Mr. McMurdock also wrote directly to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of the 1% interest surcharge on Thurrock’s borrowing from the Treasury’s Public Works Loan Board. The letter outlined the unjust impact of this additional financial burden, which siphons approximately £8.5 million annually from Thurrock residents—funds that could otherwise be used to sustain essential services.
