The government is ‘minded’ to step in and oversee Bedford Borough Council after a damning Best Value Inspection uncovered serious leadership failings and a toxic workplace culture.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published its report today, recommending commissioners for up to three years to take control of the authority’s finances and services.
The unprecedented intervention follows months of severe financial pressure, including an £80m emergency government bailout, and intense political infighting.
Mayor Tom Wootton (Conservative) previously called for the resignation of the council’s chief executive, while opposition councillors launched multiple petitions demanding the mayor step down over what they called “systemic mismanagement”.
Read: Bedford Borough mayor calls for CEO’s resignation over “systemic mismanagement” at council
Read: Bedford Borough councillors launch two more petitions calling for mayor’s resignation
Deeply disappointing findings
While the best value inspection highlighted the dedication of frontline staff and positive community relationships, it found that the council is failing in its legal obligations.
Inspectors pointed to significant weaknesses in both political and managerial leadership, concluding that the authority cannot independently drive the urgent improvements required.
The report also raised severe concerns about staff welfare, citing a poor working atmosphere, bullying and misogyny within the organisation.
Read: What is a “best value” inspection – and why does it matter to Bedford?
Labour MP for Bedford and Kempston, Mohammad Yasin, said: “It is deeply disappointing, though sadly not surprising, to see such a damning report identifying serious failings across the organisation, with weaknesses in both political and managerial leadership.
“The Conservative mayor and executive have failed to lead this council, and they must take responsibility for their inadequacy and lack of sufficient progress.
“Despite significant government investment to deliver the improvements our community rightly expects, particularly in our town centre, education, SEND provision, road repairs and public transport, progress remains far too slow, and delivery is falling short of the standards our residents deserve.
“I am particularly concerned by the findings on staff morale and the reports of a poor working atmosphere, misogyny and bullying.
“No one should have to work in an environment where they feel undermined, intimidated or unable to speak up.
“These issues must be taken seriously, addressed openly and urgently, and followed by meaningful action to rebuild trust and create a culture in which staff feel respected, supported and able to do their best work.
“I therefore, with a heavy heart, welcome the commissioners’ intervention to help local governance work as it should.
“I will do all I can to support the authority in addressing these failings, strengthening accountability and delivering the changes residents want and deserve.
“Bedford and Kempston have enormous potential, with significant opportunities ahead, including those presented by Universal.
“We should be making the most of these opportunities to secure a brighter future for our community. But that requires leadership, vision, a positive and inclusive culture, and the determination to get the basics right.
“The findings of this report must be a turning point. The priority now must be to turn these serious failings into a catalyst for meaningful, lasting change.
“We need a clear sense of purpose, stronger leadership and a renewed determination to turn investment and opportunity into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
“Residents need a council that gets the fundamentals right: finances under control, services that work, a workplace where staff are treated with dignity and decisions people can trust.
“I encourage residents to make their views known by 29 October, and I will work with anyone serious about delivering the change Bedford Borough Council urgently needs.”
Increasing the pace
The council has 10 working days to make representations to the Secretary of State regarding the proposed directions.
Chief executive Laura Church said: “We acknowledge the significance of the report and the need to increase the pace and scale of change.
“Our staff have continued to deliver vital services during a demanding period, and their expertise and commitment will be central to the improvements ahead.
“We will support colleagues through the changes required and keep staff, members, residents and partners informed as the work progresses.
“The Council has engaged fully and constructively throughout the inspection process.
“We will continue that approach as we respond to the proposed directions, work with commissioners when appointed and maintain a clear focus on delivering better outcomes for Bedford Borough’s residents.”
Mayor taking recommendations “extremely seriously”
In a statement, the Mayor of Bedford, Tom Wootton, said: “I understand that the findings will concern residents, and I take them extremely seriously.
“When I became Mayor in May 2023, the Council was already facing significant financial challenges.
“The independent CIPFA review subsequently identified longstanding weaknesses in financial management and governance, alongside serious pressures affecting services today.
“Since then, we have commissioned independent scrutiny, strengthened spending controls and developed a comprehensive Improvement Plan to address these challenges.
“There is still much more to do, and I recognise that.
“My priority remains ensuring that Bedford Borough Council delivers the services you and your family rely on, while managing taxpayers’ money responsibly.
“We will carefully consider the findings of this report. I am determined to see this work through and build a council that residents can have confidence in and, most importantly, be proud of.”
Representatives from all other political parties at the council have been contacted for comment.
