HE Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) has been spared from a fresh round of Government spending cuts after ministers confirmed the controversial and much-delayed £11 billion road scheme remains on track - even the source of an £8 billion cost shortfall remains unknown.

Despite assurances that things have improved and officers have been able to complete accounting reviews for the past year – Thurrock Council's accounts – going back to 2021 – have still not been signed off by external auditors.

ONE of Thurrock's two remaining Labour councillors, Aaron Green, has written to council Leader Cllr Richard Bingley setting out concerns and seeking clarity on the direction of the new Reform UK administration.