Bedford Borough Council is inviting Bedfordians and local businesses to share their views on their budget proposals for 2025/26.
The Council say they have ambitious plans that they believe will “enhance the quality of life” for the approximately 185,000 people living here and also improve the “visitor experience”.
Before they pull together the final budget proposals, they want to hear from various stakeholders, including people living here, local businesses, councillors, trade unions, and third-sector groups.
The council says its priorities span essential services, including planning and infrastructure, waste and recycling, street cleaning, homelessness services, social care, and community safety.
Cllr Graeme Coombes (Conservative), Portfolio Holder for Finance & Corporate Services said: “Like all local authorities,” Bedford is facing several challenges
“We continue to face financial pressures due to a combination of factors, including increasing demands for services, particularly around Adult Social Care and Temporary Accommodation,” he said.
“Both the Council, its local suppliers, and providers will also see increased costs next year from increases to the national living wage and national insurance.
“As a Council, we have a strong track record of good financial management, but we still face a budget gap of £15.7 million next year.
“As in recent years, the Council will have to make difficult decisions to set the 2025-2026 budget in light of continuing financial challenges and uncertainty about changes to funding from government.
“We will ensure resources and money are directed to those services most in need.”
Four-year plan
Bedford Borough Council say they have an “ambitious” four-year plan to transform service quality and improve organisational and process efficiencies.
Resources will also be realigned to priorities whilst protecting and improving services to the customer.
Proposals also outline areas of longer-term ‘capital’ spending and investing in the future of the Borough, including how best to support town centres and essential maintenance of highway and property assets.
They also want feedback on their plans to support high-quality leisure services, a positive response to demand-led services and the delivery of health and well-being improvements.
Cllr Graeme Coombes added, “Every year we work hard to ensure we use the money and resources available to provide high-quality services for the residents and businesses of Bedford Borough.
“Rising demand for statutory services like social care and homelessness support have added to our cost pressures and this budget aims to address these, as well as the other, significant challenges confronting our borough and society at large.
“Efficiency and value for money remain firmly at the forefront of all our planning.”
Have your say
Local people, businesses, and partners are invited to give their views during the public consultation which will help inform next year’s budget.
The budget consultation will run from Thursday, 21 November to Friday, 20 December.
You can find out more and have your say at bedford.gov.uk/budget2025-26.
Hard copies of the questionnaire are available in the Bedford Borough Hub, in Bedford Borough libraries during staffed hours, and on request by emailing consultingbedford@bedford.gov.uk.
You can also write to Consulting Bedford, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford MK42 9AP.
Completing the survey should take approximately 10 minutes. Each response will be thoroughly examined, and the findings will contribute to a report in February 2025, forming part of the final budget papers.
“We want to hear from you – please take a moment to let us know what you think about our budget proposals and our plans for investment into the future.”
