BASILDON Council's Labour leader is once again calling for his borough to have full control over council tax and services to improve the area.

Gavin Callaghan wants to see the borough become a unitary authority and remove itself from control of Essex County Council, which would allow the council to keep all council tax collected, spend it as it sees fit, while providing all services from housing, to waste collection, education, social services and much more. 

He raised the issue during a weekly Facebook live video speaking to residents after concerns were raised about roads and streetlighting.

He also said he's attended meetings to discuss a mayor to cover larger parts of south Essex and the role of this in unlocking vital infrastructure funds from the Government. 

Speaking on his Facebook live, Mr Callaghan said: "I don't know if people really fully understand but when you pay your council tax, 86 per cent goes to Essex County Council and a further five per cent to the Police and Crime Commissioner. Basildon Council keeps around about twelve per cent.

"They're not really accountable. I believe we should leave ECC and I believe Basildon should be a unitary authority in control of 100 per cent of our council tax so we can spend it on our local priorities."

A spokesperson for Essex County Council said: "The Government's focus is on Devolution and alongside partners we are currently discussing the potential benefits of a deal which devolves powers from central government down to Greater Essex.

"Essex authorities have until the end of September to put forward the case for devolution here, which if realised would benefit the Greater Essex economy through unlocking jobs, skills and homes.

"There have already been initial discussions which have included Basildon Council alongside all the other cities, borough and districts across Greater Essex.

"In the meantime the County Council remains focussed on providing value-for-money across all our services and we are always open to partners' views on how best to do this."