Basildon Borough Council has announced a series of urgent improvements to its housing services after receiving the lowest possible consumer rating from the Regulator of Social Housing. The national watchdog issued a C4 grade on 15 April 2026, citing very serious failings in how the council manages its nearly 11,000 social homes.
The inspection identified significant issues, including a lack of accurate information regarding home conditions and hazards. The regulator also highlighted a backlog of approximately 4,600 fire safety tasks that need better tracking and completion. Furthermore, the council was criticised for failing to inform the regulator about these problems after an external review in March 2025 had already raised concerns about housing standards. This omission was described by the regulator as a very serious failure in itself.
Chief Executive of Basildon Council, Gary Jones, said the council recognises it has let tenants down and is deeply sorry. In response to the findings, the council has already begun taking action. This includes appointing three new tenant resolution officers, hiring a dedicated compliance manager, and bringing in an outside expert to independently review its systems. The council is also planning to increase the number of staff members dealing with anti-social behaviour.
These changes coincide with other major transitions for the local authority. The council has already confirmed it will not renew its current £300m repairs and maintenance contract with Morgan Sindall Property Services when the agreement ends on 30 June 2026. Separately, the council continues to progress with its long-term housing strategy, which includes a target to build 4,000 new council homes over the next ten years to address a waiting list that contained 3,629 households as of January 2026.
Despite the housing service challenges, work is continuing on other major community projects, including £40 million of government funding earmarked for neighbourhood improvements in Lee Chapel North and Chalvedon in Pitsea. Tenants are encouraged to check the council website for further updates on how these service improvements will affect them.
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