In the News: Area Committees - meeting the needs of local communities
The work of the borough's 6 Area Committees received high praise at a meeting of Basildon councillors held last week.
Area Committees started last year and were created to make sure that residents and communities at an area level, have a say in the delivery of services that support them and are able to invest in local projects and organisations that are making a difference in their communities.
The meeting was given an update on the progress and impact Area Committees have had in providing local improvements that have been funded to date in this municipal year.
Cllr Jack Ferguson, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport & Community said:
"Area Committees provide a real opportunity for Ward Members to reflect the wants and needs of their communities in the decisions we make as a council. We want Basildon to be home to healthy and active local communities who are able to support themselves and each other.
"We want to offer a high quality of life for all our residents through attractive, liveable, accessible and safe neighbourhoods and towns, while providing facilities, green spaces and town centres that meet the needs of all our communities.
"The Area Committees are making a real difference, laying a strong foundation for growth, building resilience in our communities and improving lives."
In the first round of Area Committees functioning, 29 grants were made across the six committees with 11 local community organisations receiving a total of £81,921.
For round 2, 44 grants and were awarded (or have been proposed). If all the funding is awarded, this will mean £170,188 going towards enhancing local services and investing in 27 local community and voluntary sector organisations.
ENDS
Published 24 March 2025.