The Government has rejected a request for a public inquiry into Thurrock Council's financial failure and levels of debt.

Thurrock members wrote to local government secretary Michael Gove on behalf of more than 1,500 residents who had called for a public inquiry into the local authority's financial issues.

But local government minister Simon Hoare said a public inquiry would not ‘provide further understanding into the historical failings or management of the council that is not being achieved through statutory intervention'.

Thurrock has been subject to Government intervention since issuing a section 114 notice in December 2022 after accruing debts of £1.3bn.