Debt-ridden Thurrock Council is setting out a range of proposals in a bid to save £18.2m in 2025.

The money is part of £81m allocated across the East of England by the government.

South Tyneside and Stockton are among councils who may be sued over solar power investments.

Preston is one of 23 councils facing legal action from a council in Essex over botched investments.

The council claims it was given bad advice over solar investments that left it with a £1.5bn debt.

The Transport Secretary says more time is needed to consider the project linking Tilbury and Gravesend.

The government had been expected to announce whether it would back a new tunnel under the river.

A motion is backed by Labour and most Conservatives councillors.