Conservative-led Thurrock Council have the challenge of making £8 million worth of budget savings, in order, to quote the Council Leader, Cllr Garry Hague "just to stand still." Their approach is that anticipating cuts in Central Government grants well in advance is the only responsible course.
A former PPC, Cllr Hague has made transparency a catchword of his administration and so invited local on-line newspaper, www.yourthurrock.com, to film a thirty minute interview outlining their proposals and the direction they were heading.
Accompanied by his Deputy Leader Cllr Amanda Arnold, who many have tipped as a future MP in the borough, the film shows what a dynamic team is running the borough.
Other portfolio holders have also said that they are happy to be interviewed after committee meetings or around the borough in order to keep constituents informed as to what exactly has been proposed.
Cllr Arnold said:
"With a large number of savings being proposed it can lead to scaremongering and disinformation. A thirty-minute interview using social media, gives us a great opportunity to set the record straight. Something a three line response in a local newspaper just can't do."
