BASILDON Council and Sempra Homes have been named as winners at the Essex Housing Awards 2025, taking home top honours in two key categories: Meeting Housing Need – Homelessness and Smart Working – Sigma South Essex.
The ‘Meeting Housing Need – Homelessness’ award recognises the innovative and ambitious housing development programme led by the Council and Sempra. This initiative is delivering wraparound support alongside new homes, aimed at reducing homelessness and meeting the acute demand for temporary accommodation in the borough. It highlights a proactive, long-term approach to tackling housing need through strategic investment and community-focused delivery.
The ‘Smart Working – Sigma South Essex’ award celebrates the pioneering use of data science and innovation to support safer communities. Through smart analysis, the team has demonstrated how new developments can actively reduce reported rates of crime and antisocial behaviour in the surrounding area. This approach gives housing and community safety teams both tactical and strategic tools to enhance outcomes for residents.
In addition to the two award wins, the team were also Highly Commended in three categories:
Best Small Housing Development – Pound Lane
Building Construction Skills – Through Development
Mo Slade Rising Star Award – Tilly Jones, Sempra Development Officer
Cllr Adele Brown, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Infrastructure, said:
“These awards are really about people. They show how we are giving more Basildon residents the security of a place to call home and the support to rebuild their lives.
“Our housing and Sempra teams have worked tirelessly to tackle homelessness and to deliver the right homes in the right places. Every new development is helping local families, creating safer and stronger communities where people can put down roots.
“This recognition reflects the brilliant work of staff across Basildon Council and Sempra Homes. Their dedication and creativity are transforming lives and raising standards in housing. Building homes for local people is one of our Five in 2025 priorities, and these awards show we are delivering on that promise.
“A special mention must go to Tilly Jones who represents the next generation of housing professionals. She is passionate, committed, and determined to make a difference. She is a shining example of the talent we are growing here in Basildon and across Sempra Homes.”
