In a rare joint front, Labour and Conservative politicians have come together to help adults in social care.

The move follows successful work between the two parties to help vulnerable children in 2011.

The Deputy Leader of the Labour Council, Cllr Barbara Rice, and the Deputy Leader of the Conservative Opposition, Cllr James Halden are working to produce a charter for adult social care – aimed especially at older people.

The charter is to help those adults in care have a real say over their care, and help residents age healthily.

Cllr Rice said: “The Health system is experiencing massive amounts of change. It is therefore vital that we write down, in black and white for all to see, how we as a council hope to work with our older people. Myself and Cllr Halden have agreed the charter will be entitled “Healthy ageing”.”

Cllr Halden added: “We want our care system in Thurrock to be one where we empower those in care, because it’s their service just like a broadband provider - the customer needs to be in charge and happy. So we are looking at things such as making sure we explain the care options to the families because we know first-hand that many families become carers in all but name. It’s about making sure that those in care are empowered to make their decisions wherever possible and practical. Old age does not need to be a barrier”.

In 2011 Cllr Rice and Cllr Halden worked together to produce the looked-after children strategy which enshrined the councils duties to those children in care. This is their second cross party collaboration to unite for the vulnerable.