New plans to put the future of Thurrock regeneration back into local hands were announced by Thames Gateway Minister Bob Neill today.
Thurrock Borough Council will absorb the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation from 1 April 2012.
This is a move away from the previous Government’s decision to merge the corporation with the Homes and Communities Agency.
Mr Neill said: “Putting Thurrock Borough Council back in command of local regeneration puts decision-making power back into democratically elected hands - marking a new era in the area and giving local people more influence to shape the place in which they live.
“This is part of our wider plans to decentralise strategic oversight of the Thames Gateway, freeing local authorities from the shackles of Whitehall dictat.”
A statement added: “Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation will cease operation and become part of Thurrock Borough Council from 1 April 2012.
“The company will move into the Council’s premises by March 2011 to work more closely with the council ahead of the change and ensure that vital efficiency savings can be made as soon as possible. The treatment of the assets currently held by TTGDC will be considered as part of the detailed arrangements for the transfer. “