Residents worry their voices would not be heard, with many telling us they wouldn’t be voting at the local elections next week
An official poll card for government elections and a UK photo driving licence as prove of identity.
Many voters in Basildon feel “let down” by local and national politics and have said they feel like “there is no point in” voting in the local election next week. The borough, often seen as an indicator of national politics, is set for a very low turnout when the polls open on Thursday (May 7).
The Local Democracy Reporting Service spoke with over 30 residents in Basildon Town Centre this week, many said they didn’t know who to vote for, and others said that even if they did vote, they feared residents “wouldn’t be listened to”.
The elections next Thursday will elect the councillors who sit on Basildon Borough Council and Essex County Council, which, between them, manage most day-to-day services, such as bin collections, adult and children’s social care, education, local roads, and much more. County council elections are also taking place across Essex, and many local councils, such as Harlow, Brentwood, and Chelmsford, are holding local elections like Basildon next week too.
Basildon’s local council has been run by a coalition of Labour and Independent councillors, while the county council is run by the Conservative Party, but that could all change at this election.
Speaking in the busy town centre, local Christine Tilley, 59, was one of the many people we spoke to who weren’t sure if they would vote. She said: “I don’t know enough about it to vote, and I haven’t voted for many years. I am not clued up on politics, but am trying to understand it more.”
Christine said council housing is a “major” issue and she said she wanted more council and social homes to be built in the borough. She added: “I know many who are in temporary housing, and it needs dealing with. I think the Government should get involved.”
Up for election in Basildon are 14 seats on the borough council, and eight seats representing Basildon on the Essex County Council. Polls will be open from 7am until 10pm, with polling stations all across the borough.
And while many locals weren’t sure who they’d vote for next week, many did point to local issues they’d like addressed by whoever wins.
Roads and local infrastructure were key issues for many people we spoke to, like Laindon resident Nina Boardman, who wasn’t sure who she’d be voting for. She said: “Potholes are a big issue, and we need more shops. I am not really big on politics, but I would like the pavements improved, as they are atrocious. Tree roots are tearing up all the pavements.”
Young mum Linda Clarke agreed about the pothole problem but said she still wouldn’t be voting.
“I will not be voting, and don’t look into it,” she said, “Potholes are really bad in Basildon, though, pretty much everywhere, especially near Ballards Walk. They need fixing.”
For Audrey Garioch her issue was the lack of things for the teenagers to do. She said: “There’s nothing for them to do, housing with the council is also a big issue. MPs and local councillors don’t respond to emails or correspondence from residents.”
Also torn on who to vote for, she added: “With a lot of [politicians], as soon as they get in, you never hear from them. They don’t communicate with the people that live here.”
Simone Salter said there are too many empty shops which become vape shops, betting shops or restaurants. She added, “I will vote, but I haven’t really made up my mind. I’ve switched between Labour and Tory over the years.”
For partially sighted resident, David Sanderson, the rising cost of living needed to be addressed.
“I’ve never voted in my life,” he said, “Some may say it’s silly, but I feel whoever gets in will not help the working class.”
Jennifer Cowie raised concerns about the change that Basildon has gone through in recent times, she said: “It was better when we first came. It’s sad as it’s changed so much. Out-of-town retail parks mean the town centre can’t compete.”
