RECRUITMENT to all but essential jobs on Thurrock Council has been frozen as ruling Tories say they have launched a major drive to deliver better value for money and improved services for Thurrock residents.
Managing Director David White, council leader Anne Cheale and Deputy Leader Coun Garry Hague will head a team to scrutinise every aspect of the council's budget.
Coun Cheale said: "As an incoming administration we are committed to tightening the reigns on council expenditure while improving customer satisfaction and focusing on what really matters to Thurrock residents.The council's budget is tight, particularly in the light of Gordon Brown's recent comprehensive spending review which will put even more pressure on local finances commencing in the next financial year.
"It is vital that we get the best value for taxpayers' money and, equally, that we are not missing out on opportunities to create income, or failing to charge adequately for existing services.
"We will also be looking carefully at discretionary spending -- that is spending that is not related directly to the provision of quality front line services."
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