A CHARITY has identified Basildon as an area ‘at risk of social division and far right sentiment’ as a result of the coronavirus pandemic – but the council leader does not agree.

Hope not Hate, the advocacy group which campaigns against racism and fascism, published a report identifying 52 ‘at risk’ local authorities earlier this week.

The report aims to understand how the coronavirus outbreak has impacted social cohesion and integration and asks what is needed to ensure that the economic hit imposed by Covid-19 does not exacerbate tensions in communities.

Following on from the report, the charity asked leaders from the identified authorities to sign an open letter to Michael Gove, secretary of state for levelling up, to call on the Government to provide additional funding as communities rebuild post-pandemic.

Cllr Andrew Baggot, leader of Basildon Council, has signed the letter in the hopes it may provide a financial boost for the town, but does not agree with the charities assessment Basildon is at risk of ‘rising hate’.

“There is no evidence that supports the idea we are in danger of social division breaking out in Basildon as a result of the pandemic,” he said.

“What we are doing, with organisation we work with such as Basildon Side by Side, is developing community cohesion and bringing them together. For me, we are about encouraging all communities to be as one and we should be proud of the good nature of people in Basildon.”

The Tory council leader added he had signed the letter in the hopes it would ‘provide clarity’ into the Government’s levelling up strategy and secure funding for the town.

“If a charity is saying we’re going to approach Government to get some money to assist in building communities, then why wouldn’t we want to be involved,” he continued.

“I didn’t sign from the point of view of saying there is a problem, but that we can build on the good works that we already have to inoculate ourselves from any problem in the future.”

The Hope not Hate report claims that economic difficulty caused by the pandemic has created “the perfect storm” to accelerate divisions in society.

The report states: “This is not just an economic crisis but one that undermines the resilience of our communities, and puts many at risk of division and rising hate. Our research has consistently shown how, during economically tough periods, resentments and frustrations can brew, and people look for someone to blame.”