A row has broken out at Bedford Borough Council over how the Universal theme park should be scrutinised, after councillors clashed over transparency, political theatre, and fears that HM Government may influence what the new committee is allowed to discuss.
The General Purposes Committee (4 November) backed plans to amend the council’s constitution to set up a new Universal Project Overview & Scrutiny Committee, which will monitor the council’s role in the development and operation of the future resort.
But the terms of reference include a controversial clause stating that, because parts of the project are commercially sensitive, officers may have to consult HM Government to confirm what can be on an agenda in the public meetings.
Cllr Hilde Hendrickx (Lib Dem, Riverfield) said that line made her “slightly nervous”, warning: “I don’t want the government to set our agenda.”
The fiercest opposition came from cllr Graeme Coombes (Conservative), whose Wixams and Wilstead ward covers the construction area.
“I want Universal to be a success,” he said.
Read: Bedford Borough’s Local Plan 2040 has “no credible future” in light of Universal plans
But he reminded the committee that at full council, he said a public committee risked becoming a forum for people to use as a “soapbox” and for “grandstanding”.
“The minute that issues are addressed in a public format, it takes on a life of its own,” he said, “It becomes a bit more dramatic, and the media will report it. Issues will undoubtedly arise; it’s not going to be smooth running.
“There’s bound to be things that crop up, I just think there are better ways of doing this.”
Cllr Zara Layne (Labour, Harpur) rejected that argument and said scrutiny was not about “turning a critical gaze on Universal”, but ensuring the council maximised the project’s benefits for residents.
The council will now form a politically proportionate shadow committee immediately, while the full constitutional amendment goes to the next full council meeting.
The report presented to the committee acknowledged “significant strategic importance” and “wide-ranging implications” for Bedford, including infrastructure, housing and economic growth.
It also confirms there is currently no dedicated committee with specific oversight of the project.
Full council will vote on the final constitutional change in November.
By John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
