Thurrock threatens to sue councils over its failed investments

Thurrock Council told the BBC the claim was “against a representative group” of councils who are APSE members “to reduce the impact and cost of the legal action for all the councils involved”.

“Under the court procedure, the presumption is that a claim against the representative councils will be binding against all 250 APSE member councils,” a Thurrock spokesperson said.

High Court proceedings have begun against businessman Liam Kavanagh and Rockfire Group, who Thurrock invested hundreds of millions with.

Last year, a government commissioned report concluded Thurrock, which at the time was run by a Conservative administration, lost “substantial sums of public money” because of systemic weaknesses and a “dereliction” in leadership.

John Kent, who has been the leader of the council since Labour resumed control in May 2024, said “we have a duty to consider all lines of recovery”.

Thurrock Council managed to claw black £513m last year from divestments which was used to pay back loans.

A further £90m is expected to be recouped, external this year.

Its current debt level is understood to be about £1bn.

The full list of councils facing possible legal action: