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Ministers are issuing Basildon BC with a Best Value notice and the Essex authority's chief executive is preparing to leave and join a London borough.The news comes just weeks after Basildon chief Gary Jones hit out at member behaviour at the council.It emerged that Jones had written to the Government amid growing tension over member behaviour at Basildon and new Conservative leader Cllr Andy Barnes also highlighted ongoing issues of civility at the council.In addition to issues over member behaviour Basildon was also hit with the lowest possible social housing grade in April after inspectors uncovered very serious failings in how the council manages its stock.The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) gave the council a C4 rating after it discovered significant weaknesses in health and safety data, poor recording of hazards in tenants' homes and inadequate oversight of its repairs contractor.In a statement the council said: ‘Basildon Council is aware of a number of issues that we need to address including the way our governance processes have been operating and also the recent C4 rating for our housing services.‘In light of this we have engaged proactively with MHCLG [the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government] and sought their advice.‘We welcome having an independent take on the work we need to do through the Best Value notice, and we will use this to make real improvements.‘There will now be a Best Value assessment that will help establish a clear set of actions that we will work through.'Sources close to the situation have said Jones' decision to leave is not connected with the notice. He told The MJ: ‘I have been engaging both the LGA [Local Government Association] and MHCLG and have introduced a number of changes in the organisation including a new management team and a greater focus on addressing our housing performance.‘I will be taking up a new role post summer at a London local authority and am relieved that MHCLG has responded to my request for help through this official notice, as it will give the organisation the best opportunity to improve and address the issues that it is facing.‘I will be here to support the review and want to know it is making the difference that we need as this matters to me as a proud Basildon resident.'Labour lost control of Basildon council in May's local elections and the Conservatives and Reform UK have since done a deal to run the authority.The Tories now lead the council and hold all the cabinet positions, while Reform have the mayorality and chair several committees.MHCLG have been approached for comment.

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BEST VALUE

Basildon gets Best Value notice as chief prepares to leave

By Paul Marinko | 15 July 2026

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