Thurrock Council is to have a key democratic voice in ensuring Thames Freeport delivers on its ambitions as a member of the Thames Freeport Governance Board (TFGB). Cllr Mark Coxshall, Leader of Thurrock Council, will now sit on the board and bring local residents to the centre of discussions around the Freeport.
Thames Freeport is set to create 21,000 new jobs, put £2.6billion a year into the UK economy, attract £4.6billion in investment and see 1,700 acres of land developed.
Cllr Coxshall said: "Thames Freeport is one of the most exciting developments in the UK. It is a key feature of Britain's trading future and will deliver skilled jobs and unparalleled opportunity to Thurrock's residents.
"It is led by the private sector, has public funding, has been created thanks to the UK government and will have a significant role to play in our local, regional and national economy.
"We will work alongside representatives from the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and the London Borough of Havering as permanent members of the board will be key to providing democratic oversight for the board’s work."