Thurrock Council: Explanatory Memorandum (updated 7 September 2026)
Published 15 September 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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1. Explanatory Memorandum
This Memorandum is intended as a companion document to the Directions and Memorandum issued on 17 July 2025. This Memorandum summarises the circumstances in which the Secretary of State has made changes to the Commissioner team.
2. Changes to the Commissioner Team from 7 September 2026
Following the successful recruitment of Chief Executive, by Thurrock Council and in accordance with the Ministerial announcement on 15 July 2026, the Managing Director Commissioner role at the intervention ended on 7 September 2026, with Dr Dave Smith appointment ending.
On 15 July 2026, the Minister for State announced, having sought representations, that should the Council successfully appoint a Chief Executive, the Managing Director Commissioner role would end, and a third commissioner would be appointed in due course. This would ensure there would continue to be three commissioners in place in Thurrock to provide the necessary oversight, challenge and support as the Council moves into the next phase of its intervention and recovery. Until that appointment is made the Commissioner consist of a Lead Commissioner and Finance Commissioner.