06 Dec Basildon Borough Breakthrough Commission launched in House of Commons
A new initiative to ensure that everyone in the borough of Basildon benefits fairly from growth was launched at a reception in the House of Commons on Monday 4 December at a reception hosted by Baroness Smith of Basildon.
The Breakthrough Basildon Borough Commission is made up of local, regional and national experts. It is independent of the council, but supported by it.
The commission will produce detailed reports presenting findings and recommendations setting out how the council, as well as other public sector organisations, the community and voluntary sector can work together to unlock ability, capacity, drive and inspire change. Findings will be used to inform development of future council policy and associated allocation of resources.
Councillor Gavin Callaghan, Chairman of Basildon Council’s Policy and Resources Committee, said: “The borough of Basildon is alive with opportunity and has all the ingredients to be one of the most successful and desirable places in the South East. For all that is good about our local economy, we know there is a hidden truth behind the stark economic facts.
“We are also home to some of the most economically disadvantaged areas in the country. Something is holding us back from being a borough that really does create opportunity and improve lives for all our resident, wherever in the borough they live. I’m determined the council addresses this urgently. That’s why I have asked this commission of experts for their independent analysis and recommendations for action.”
Over the coming months the commission will engage and involve residents, communities and charities. It will be free to make its own investigations, consider the evidence, talk to residents, businesses, schools, colleges and elected representatives.
