Ian Davidson

In 2012 the deprived area of Jaywick flooded and the council bought acres of land. Now major investors are vying to get exclusivity on the site. Judges hailed Ian Davidson as a great leader, heading up one of the best coastal council teams.

The council purchased land using money from its Housing Revenue Account rather than relying on receiving grants from the Homes and Communities Agency.

One of the judges said the council is impressive because it is “not just providing new homes but using housing market renewal to improve the life chances and opportunities for residents”.