Thurrock Council Accuses Liam Kavanagh of Fraud

Thurrock Council, a heavily indebted local authority in Essex, is suing Dubai-based businessman Liam Kavanagh for allegedly misusing £150 million of its investments intended for solar farms. The council, which declared bankruptcy in 2022 with debts exceeding £1 billion, claims Kavanagh spent funds on luxury items including a £13.7 million yacht, a £9.1 million private jet, and a £20 million country estate. The council asserts that its investments were based on 'fraudulent misrepresentations' regarding electricity pricing that inflated the value of the solar assets. Kavanagh denies the allegations and is challenging the court's jurisdiction over the case. The lawsuit highlights the council's financial mismanagement and raises questions about its investment strategies. Thurrock Council is now considering raising taxes and cutting services to address its financial crisis.