Borough of Basildon

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Borough of Basildon
Town Square, Basildon - geograph.org.uk - 2575026.jpg
Basildon, the administrative centre of the borough
Basildon UK locator map.svg
Basildon shown within Essex
Coordinates: 51°34′14″N0°27′16″E / 51.5705°N 0.4545°E / 51.5705; 0.4545
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Country England
Region East of England
Non-metropolitan county Essex
Status Non-metropolitan district, Borough
Admin HQ Basildon
Incorporated1 April 1974
Government
  TypeNon-metropolitan district council
  BodyBasildon Borough Council
   MPs John Baron
Stephen Metcalfe
Mark Francois
Area
  Total42.48 sq mi (110.02 km2)
  Rank187th (of 296)
Population
 (2022)
  Total188,848
  Rank105th (of 296)
  Density4,400/sq mi (1,700/km2)
Ethnicity (2021)
[1]
   Ethnic groups
List
Religion (2021)
[1]
   Religion
List
Time zone UTC0 (GMT)
  Summer (DST) UTC+1 (BST)
ONS code E07000066
OS grid reference TQ735895

The Borough of Basildon is a local government district with borough status in Essex, England. It is named after its largest town, Basildon, where the council is based. The borough also includes the towns of Billericay and Wickford and surrounding rural areas.

Contents

The borough borders the City of Chelmsford to the north, the Borough of Brentwood to the west, the Thurrock unitary authority area to the south, the Borough of Castle Point to the south-east, and Rochford District to the north-east.

History

Billericay Urban District was created in 1934. [2] In 1955 it was renamed Basildon Urban District [3] to reflect the growth of Basildon, which had been designated a new town in 1949. [4] In the 1990’s Basildon applied to become a unitary authority but this was declined, with the government asserting that the divergent interests of the three main towns meant any change to the status quo should involve splitting the borough; with Billericay and Wickford joining the districts of Brentwood and Rochford respectively. [5] [6]

Urban districts were abolished on 1 April 1974, under the Local Government Act 1972. On this date, a new non-metropolitan district called Basildon was created, covering the whole area of the former Basildon Urban District plus the small part of the neighbouring Thurrock Urban District which fell within the designated area for Basildon New Town. [7] [8]

The district was awarded borough status in 2010, allowing the chair of the council to take the title of mayor, with Mo Larkin being appointed the first mayor. [9] [10]

Governance

Basildon Borough Council
Basildon Borough Council.svg
Type
Type
History
Founded1 April 1974
Leadership
Allan Davies,
Labour
since 23 May 2024 [11]
Gavin Callaghan,
Labour
since 23 May 2024
Chief Executive (interim)
Kim Bromley-Derry
since 2024 [12]
Structure
Seats42 councillors
Political groups
Administration (24)
  Labour (18)
  Independent (6)
Other parties (18)
  Conservative (13)
  Wickford Ind. (5)
Length of term
Third of council elected three years out of four
Elections
Last election
2 May 2024
Next election
7 May 2026
Meeting place
The Basildon Centre.jpg
The Basildon Centre, St Martin's Square, Basildon, SS14 1DL
Website
www.basildon.gov.uk
Billericay, one of the towns of the borough Billericay High Street.jpg
Billericay, one of the towns of the borough
Wickford, one of the towns of the borough Junction of Wickford High Street and the A129 - geograph.org.uk - 1036287.jpg
Wickford, one of the towns of the borough
Ramsden Bellhouse, one of the villages in the borough Ramsden Bellhouse - geograph.org.uk - 2124909.jpg
Ramsden Bellhouse, one of the villages in the borough

Basildon Borough Council provides district-level services. County-level services are provided by Essex County Council. Parts of the borough are also covered by civil parishes, which form a third tier of local government. [13]

Political control

The council has been under no overall control since the 2024 election, with Labour the largest party. [14] An administration of Labour and the independent councillors subsequently formed to run the council. [15]

The first election to the council was held in 1973, initially operating as a shadow authority alongside the outgoing authorities until the new arrangements came into effect on 1 April 1974. Political control of the council since 1974 has been as follows: [16] [17]

Party in controlYears
Labour 1974–1976
No overall control 1976–1982
Labour 1982–1987
No overall control 1987–1990
Labour 1990–1991
No overall control 1991–1992
Conservative 1992–1994
No overall control 1994–1996
Labour 1996–2000
No overall control 2000–2003
Conservative 2003–2014
No overall control 2014–2018
Conservative 2018–2019
No overall control 2019–2021
Conservative 2021–2024
No overall control 2024–present

Leadership

The role of mayor is largely ceremonial in Basildon. Political leadership is instead provided by the leader of the council. The leaders since 2009 have been: [18]

CouncillorPartyFromTo
Tony Ball [19] Conservative 21 May 200925 May 2014
Phil Turner Conservative 12 Jun 201425 May 2017
Gavin Callaghan Labour 25 May 201724 May 2018
Andrew Baggott Conservative 24 May 201823 May 2019
Gavin Callaghan Labour 23 May 201927 May 2021
Andrew Baggott Conservative 27 May 202123 May 2024
Gavin Callaghan Labour 23 May 2024

Composition

Following the 2024 election, the composition of the council was: [20]

PartyCouncillors
Labour 18
Conservative 13
Independent 6
Wickford Independents5
Total42

The six independents sit together as a group. The next election is due in May 2028.

Premises

The council has its headquarters at the Basildon Centre on St Martin's Square in Basildon Town Centre. The building was purpose-built for the council in 1989 at a cost of £17.5 million. It was formally opened on 14 November 1989 by Jack Cunningham, the Shadow Leader of the House of Commons. The building also contains the town's library. [21]

Elections

Since the last boundary changes in 2024, the council has comprised 42 councillors representing 14 wards, with each ward electing three councillors. Elections are held in three out of every four years, with a third of the council (one councillor for each ward) elected each time for a four-year term of office. Essex County Council elections are held in the fourth year of the cycle when there are no borough council elections. [22]

Towns and parishes

Basildon population pyramid Basildon population pyramid.svg
Basildon population pyramid

There are nine civil parishes in the borough. The town of Basildon itself is an unparished area, as is a small area west of Wickford. [23] The parish councils for Billericay and Wickford are styled "town councils", whilst that for Great Burstead and South Green is styled a "village council". The civil parishes are: [24]

Geography

Constituencies within the Basildon district.
Blue: Billericay and Basildon
Red: Basildon South and Thurrock East
Green: Rayleigh and Wickford Basildon.png
Constituencies within the Basildon district.
Blue: Billericay and Basildon
Red: Basildon South and Thurrock East
Green: Rayleigh and Wickford

The district has three main urban areas: Basildon, Billericay and Wickford. Proposals to move Billericay and Wickford to other districts, leaving Basildon district more focused on the new town, were considered in the 1990s but rejected. [25]

The new town of Basildon grew to absorb four earlier settlements: Laindon, Basildon, Vange and Pitsea (from west to east) which have merged with other minor hamlets.

The remaining land, approximately half of the district is designated as green belt, has several sites of special scientific interest. Two are around Billericay and the remainder are to the south of Basildon New Town. There are also wildlife areas of varying sizes around most of the district, except in the East.

The source of the River Crouch is in the district. The river runs across the district, through Wickford before it leaves the district.

The district is linked well by road and rail with significant surrounding destinations, including London.

In the west of the Basildon district, the Dunton Plotlands is an area of small plots of land used as weekend cottages or smallholdings inhabited during the mid twentieth century.

List of settlements

It contains the towns of:

Villages within the district are:

Regeneration plans

Basildon District is a prosperous business location and has in recent years seen significant inward investment and jobs growth. Throughout Basildon District there are major developments planned estimated to total nearly £2 billion. These include:

Coordinating and promoting this programme of investment is the Basildon Renaissance Partnership which was set up in 2003 by Basildon District Council. Its partners also include the East of England Development Agency, English Partnerships, Essex County Council, and the Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership with support from the Department for Communities and Local Government.

The BBC noted the council had decided to sell for £1 a plot of land it bought next to the golf course for £1m in order to build a 4 star hotel. The Conservative leader described the sale as doomed to failure. [26]

Transport

The district is connected to London and Southend via two train operators: c2c and Abellio Greater Anglia. The route operated by c2c is the London, Tilbury and Southend line. Three principal stations of the railway line are in the district: Basildon railway station, Laindon railway station and Pitsea railway station

The former Great Eastern service (now Abellio Greater Anglia) operates on the Shenfield to Southend Line. Trains stop at Billericay and Wickford railway station. At Wickford, the Crouch Valley Line diverges from the Shenfield to Southend line.

Three primary routes are within the district. The A127 goes through its centre, the A13 goes through the south-east at Pitsea. Both these primary routes connect the district with Greater London and Southend-on-Sea. At Bowers Gifford at a terminus of the A13's primary status there is a junction with the beginning of primary status for the A130 with runs along a small section of the western boundary of the district. The A130 connects the district with Chelmsford. The A129 is the major road link between Billericay and Wickford, which are linked via A-Roads to the urban area of Basildon, Pitsea and Laindon by the A176 and the A132, respectively.

Freedom of the Borough

The following people and military units have received the Freedom of the Borough of Basildon. [27]

Individuals

Military Units

Organisations and groups

[29]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Basildon</span> Town in Essex, England

Basildon is a town in the borough of the same name, in the county of Essex, England. It had a recorded population of 115,955 at the 2021 census. In 1931, the town had a population of 1,159.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Billericay</span> Town and civil parish in Essex, England

Billericay is a town and civil parish in the Borough of Basildon in Essex, England. It lies within the London Basin and is 25 miles (40 km) east of Central London. The town has a wide variety of open spaces. The town is thought to have been occupied since the Bronze Age.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wickford</span> Town and civil parish in Essex, England

Wickford is a town and civil parish in the south of the English county of Essex, with a population of 33,486. Located approximately 30 miles (50 km) east of London, it is within the Borough of Basildon along with the original town of Basildon, Billericay, Laindon and Pitsea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Basildon (UK Parliament constituency)</span> Parliamentary constituency in the United Kingdom, 1974–2010

Basildon was a parliamentary constituency represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It elected one Member of Parliament (MP) by the first past the post system of election.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Billericay (UK Parliament constituency)</span> Parliamentary constituency in the United Kingdom, 1950-1974 & 1983–2010

Billericay was a constituency represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It elected one Member of Parliament (MP) by the first past the post system of election.

One third of Basildon Borough Council in Essex, England is elected each year, followed by one year without election. Since the last boundary changes in 2002, 42 councillors have been elected from 16 wards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pitsea</span> Human settlement in England

Pitsea is a town and former civil parish in the Borough of Basildon in south Essex, England. It comprises five sub-districts: Eversley, Northlands Park Neighbourhood, Chalvedon, Pitsea Mount and Burnt Mills. It is part of the new town of Basildon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Basildon and Billericay (UK Parliament constituency)</span> Parliamentary constituency in the United Kingdom, 2010 onwards

Basildon and Billericay is a constituency in Essex represented in the House of Commons of the UK Parliament. Since the 2024 general election it has been represented by Richard Holden, a Conservative.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South Basildon and East Thurrock (UK Parliament constituency)</span> Parliamentary constituency in the United Kingdom, 2010 onwards

South Basildon and East Thurrock is a constituency represented in the House of Commons of the UK Parliament since 2024 by James McMurdock of Reform UK.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barstable Hundred</span>

Barstable was a Hundred in the English County of Essex. Both the hundred and the manor with the same name are mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. Several parishes in the western part of the Barstable Hundred are now in Thurrock.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Basildon Urban District</span>

Basildon Urban District was a local government district in south Essex, England from 1934 to 1974.

Billericay Rural District was a local government district in Essex, England from 1894 to 1934.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laindon</span> Town and former civil parish in England

Laindon is a town and civil parish, which now forms part of the town of Basildon, in the Basildon district, in Essex, England. It is between Basildon and West Horndon. It was also an ancient parish. It was based on the manor of the same name. As of 2020, Laindon's population was 37,175.

Little Burstead is a village and civil parish in Essex, England. It lies 2.25 miles (4 km) south-south-west of Billericay and 4.5 miles (7 km) east-south-east of Brentwood railway station.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1998 Basildon District Council election</span> 1998 UK local government election

The 1998 Basildon District Council election took place on 7 May 1998 to elect members of Basildon District Council in Essex, England. One third of the council was up for election and the Labour party stayed in overall control of the council.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1999 Basildon District Council election</span> 1999 UK local government election

The 1999 Basildon District Council election took place on 6 May 1999 to elect members of Basildon District Council in Essex, England. One third of the council was up for election and the Labour party stayed in overall control of the council.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2000 Basildon District Council election</span> 2000 UK local government election

The 2000 Basildon District Council election took place on 4 May 2000 to elect members of Basildon District Council in Essex, England. One third of the council was up for election and the Labour party lost overall control of the council to no overall control.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Basildon Borough Council election</span> 2015 UK local government election

The 2015 Basildon Borough Council election took place on 7 May 2015, as part of the 2015 United Kingdom local elections, and took place alongside the UK General Election. One third of seats were up for election, with these seats last being contested in 2011. As a result of the election, the council remained in no overall control. The Conservative Party remained as the largest party, and formed a minority administration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 Basildon Borough Council election</span> Basildon Borough Council election of 2019

The 2019 Basildon Borough Council election took place on 2 May 2019 to elect members of Basildon Borough Council in Essex. This was on the same day as other local elections. The Conservative Party lost control of the council. which fell under no overall control.

References

  1. 1 2 UK Census (2021). "2021 Census Area Profile – Basildon Local Authority (E07000066)". Nomis. Office for National Statistics . Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  2. "Billericay Urban District". A Vision of Britain through Time. GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  3. "Basildon Urban District". A Vision of Britain through Time. GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  4. "No. 38507". The London Gazette . 7 January 1949. p. 145.
  5. The Local Government Review in England Research Paper 95/84 House of Commons Library https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/RP95-84/RP95-84.pdf
  6. The 1995 Review of 21 Districts in England: Overview Report - Local Government Commission for England
  7. "The English Non-metropolitan Districts (Definition) Order 1972", legislation.gov.uk , The National Archives, SI 1972/2039, retrieved 31 May 2023
  8. "The English Non-metropolitan Districts (Names) Order 1973", legislation.gov.uk , The National Archives, SI 1973/551, retrieved 31 May 2023
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  10. "Basildon district becomes borough". BBC News. 15 September 2010. Retrieved 26 March 2011.
  11. "Council meeting, 23 May 2024". Basildon Council. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  12. Marinko, Paul (18 June 2024). "Bromley-Derry set to replace retiring Logan at Basildon". The MJ. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  13. "Local Government Act 1972", legislation.gov.uk , The National Archives, 1972 c. 70, retrieved 31 May 2023
  14. "Basildon Election Result". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  15. "Council meeting, 23 May 2024". Basildon Council. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  16. "Compositions calculator". The Elections Centre. 4 March 2016. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  17. "Basildon". BBC News Online . 19 April 2008. Retrieved 17 March 2010.
  18. "Council minutes". Basildon Borough Council. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  19. "Cllr Tony Ball". Local Government Association. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  20. "Local elections 2024: full mayoral and council results for England". The Guardian. 4 May 2024. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  21. Behringer, Kim (24 November 1989). "MP praises new centre". Billericay Gazette. p. 3. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  22. "The Basildon (Electoral Changes) Order 2023", legislation.gov.uk , The National Archives, SI 2024/731, retrieved 24 May 2024
  23. "Election Maps". Ordnance Survey. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  24. "Borough Town, Parish and Village Councils". Basildon Council. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  25. LGCE. Final Recommendations on the Future Local Government of: Basildon & Thurrock, Blackburn & Blackpool, Broxtowe, Gedling & Rushcliffe, Dartford & Gravesham, Gillingham & Rochester Upon Medway, Exeter, Gloucester, Halton & Warrington, Huntingdonshire & Peterborough, Northampton, Norwich, Spelthorne and the Wrekin. December 1995.
  26. "Basildon Council to sell land it bought for £1m for £1". BBC News. 8 February 2019. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  27. "Freedom of the Borough - Basildon". basildon.gov.uk. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  28. 1 2 Thomson, Charles (25 November 2019). "Basildon war hero and hospice founder awarded Freedom of the Borough". Yellow Advertiser. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  29. Ferris, Mick (28 May 2021). "Freedom of Entry to the borough status awarded to Basildon's NHS heroes". Yellow Advertiser. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  30. Emes, Toby (23 October 2021). "East of England Ambulance service given freedom of Basildon". The Basildon Canvey Southend Echo. Retrieved 24 October 2021.