I was away on holiday over the last week, so apologies for not 'blogging'.
Coming back to the usual loads of emails, I found this request
Dear Colleague,
Can you help?
We have been approached by Go East to help recruit 10 representatives ...
Interesting to know the unelected government of the eastern region is asking for people assist them in their role. What is the jurisdiction of the regional office? They oversee the spending of tens of million pounds on housing, transport and planning but are unelected.
British citizens were asked whether they wanted another tier of government under the Your Region,Your Choice: Revitalising the English Regions’ consultation - and the response was a resounding 78% 'NO', but we still have an unelected Government Office in the Regions - and Local Authorities must answer to them, whether we like it or not. The government has now said from 2010, their role will be transferred to the business-led regional development agencies.
Your views on this are welcome. Since the government did not abide by the result of the first referendum, should there be another referendum to establish whether to have an elected regional government? If the answer is still NO, shouldn't the regional offices be abolished - and let the power revert back to the Local Authorities instead...
The purpose of this personal blogsite is to pass Ward or Thurrock related information across, and to allow residents comment on plans or proposals. Residents suggestions for developments in the community are certainly very welcome.
Showing posts with label Interests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interests. Show all posts
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Interim Chief Executive
Thurrock Council has appointed Mike Rowan as its interim chief executive.
A meeting of the full council on Wednesday night (26 November) agreed the proposal. He will take up the post on Monday.
He said: “In the short time I have been at Thurrock I have met many staff members and I’ve been impressed by the talent and the dedication you all have.
“You have the residents of Thurrock and the council’s services at the core of your heart.
“In my time as interim chief executive, I want to work with you, nourish that talent, and take Thurrock Council forward.
Mr Rowan was the council’s Head of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer and will act as chief executive until a full time appointment is made.
In accepting the post, Mr Rowan told the council he felt “privileged and honoured” when he was approached.
He added: “During the next few weeks I intend to focus on the immediate risks and issues. I will establish some tough internal controls and I will ensure the council demonstrates accountability for all its actions in all areas.”
He added: “My first priority is to restore trust and credibility. This will be achieved through honesty and openness, underpinned by clear, straightforward governance and policy.
“Change is a time of hope and a cause for optimism. I am confident that together we will improve the services of this council; we will improve the lives of people in this borough; and we will improve the lives of the officers and members of this council.
“I accept this interim role without reservation, and with only one obligation, to devote my time and energy to ensure the reputation of Thurrock Council is compassionate, transparent, honest and open.”
Cllr Terry Hipsey, Leader of Thurrock Council, said after the meeting: “Since Mike’s arrival at Thurrock Council he has carried out exemplary work and he will bring a balance to our corporate management team.
“Mike’s drive and ambition to do well for this authority will, I am sure, help take Thurrock forward.”
Mr Rowan joined Thurrock Council in August this year. Aged 45, he has spent much of his time working in the West Country, latterly as head of Legal Services at Stroud and Kennett district councils and he had a senior legal role at North Somerset Council where he played a strategic role in helping the formation of a new unitary authority.
Born in Southwark, South London, he is married with three children. He went to the University of East London (Barking) and was called to the bar in 1991, specialising at the bar in Local Government law before working in local authorities since 1995.
A meeting of the full council on Wednesday night (26 November) agreed the proposal. He will take up the post on Monday.
He said: “In the short time I have been at Thurrock I have met many staff members and I’ve been impressed by the talent and the dedication you all have.
“You have the residents of Thurrock and the council’s services at the core of your heart.
“In my time as interim chief executive, I want to work with you, nourish that talent, and take Thurrock Council forward.
Mr Rowan was the council’s Head of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer and will act as chief executive until a full time appointment is made.
In accepting the post, Mr Rowan told the council he felt “privileged and honoured” when he was approached.
He added: “During the next few weeks I intend to focus on the immediate risks and issues. I will establish some tough internal controls and I will ensure the council demonstrates accountability for all its actions in all areas.”
He added: “My first priority is to restore trust and credibility. This will be achieved through honesty and openness, underpinned by clear, straightforward governance and policy.
“Change is a time of hope and a cause for optimism. I am confident that together we will improve the services of this council; we will improve the lives of people in this borough; and we will improve the lives of the officers and members of this council.
“I accept this interim role without reservation, and with only one obligation, to devote my time and energy to ensure the reputation of Thurrock Council is compassionate, transparent, honest and open.”
Cllr Terry Hipsey, Leader of Thurrock Council, said after the meeting: “Since Mike’s arrival at Thurrock Council he has carried out exemplary work and he will bring a balance to our corporate management team.
“Mike’s drive and ambition to do well for this authority will, I am sure, help take Thurrock forward.”
Mr Rowan joined Thurrock Council in August this year. Aged 45, he has spent much of his time working in the West Country, latterly as head of Legal Services at Stroud and Kennett district councils and he had a senior legal role at North Somerset Council where he played a strategic role in helping the formation of a new unitary authority.
Born in Southwark, South London, he is married with three children. He went to the University of East London (Barking) and was called to the bar in 1991, specialising at the bar in Local Government law before working in local authorities since 1995.
Thursday, 2 October 2008
Fire Blankett Tests
Dear Resident
According to statistics from the fire service electric blankets account for approximately 5000 house fires a year.
As part of the drive to educate and protect the residents of Thurrock. and in particular senior citizens and the vulnerable, the Council is offering everyone the opportunity to have their electric blanket tested .
The test will be carried out at Thurrock Council on 23rd October 2008 and will be free of charge . Although there are drop off points across the Borough so that people don't have to travel too far, the closest drop Off point for Chafford residents will be at the Civic Offices, Grays.
The blankets will be tested and returned back to the drop off points with a full report attached.
If you know anybody who has an electric blanket and would like it tested, please feel free to take it in before 23rd October.
If you require further information, please contact me.
According to statistics from the fire service electric blankets account for approximately 5000 house fires a year.
As part of the drive to educate and protect the residents of Thurrock. and in particular senior citizens and the vulnerable, the Council is offering everyone the opportunity to have their electric blanket tested .
The test will be carried out at Thurrock Council on 23rd October 2008 and will be free of charge . Although there are drop off points across the Borough so that people don't have to travel too far, the closest drop Off point for Chafford residents will be at the Civic Offices, Grays.
The blankets will be tested and returned back to the drop off points with a full report attached.
If you know anybody who has an electric blanket and would like it tested, please feel free to take it in before 23rd October.
If you require further information, please contact me.
Monday, 22 September 2008
Changes to Planning Permission Requirements
New planning regulations mean that from October 08 majority of homeowners will no longer need to get planning permission when extending their existing homes.
The Planning Department of Thurrock Council is currently working on a new version of the householders guide which will set out the new permitted development rights.
The changes will allow people to build both up and out for the first time without needing to pay to be granted specific planning permission.
In addition, the new regulations state that no-one undertaking these types of home improvements will be required to pay any additional council tax on their homes.
New driveways or parking areas over five square metres will also not require planning permission if they are constructed using surfaces that allow the water to soak through the ground.
It is however strongly advised that you eithe wait for the new guide or contact the planning authority of the Council in the first instance to establish whether your development requires planning permission or not.
Even if it you don't require planning permission, please note that your neighbours will still have a right to object to any development - which may then be subject to investigation by the Council.
Sunday, 20 July 2008
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