As many are aware, councils up and down the country are facing some really tough financial challenges. However, while others are cutting back and reducing services, we’re refusing to stand still and have chosen to invest in Bedford Borough’s future to deliver vital infrastructure
and improve essential services.
This has been made possible after my dynamic and forward-looking 10-year Capital Programme received cross-party support at Full Council on 15 January 2025.
This plan puts tens of millions of pounds worth of investment back in the Borough to drive all the key themes in my manifesto: Health, Family and Prosperity.
So, let’s dive into the details…
Investing in residents’ Health and well-being
A healthier, more active community is central to our vision for Bedford Borough and the Capital Programme include more money to make that a reality.
We are investing in our leisure facilities, modernising them, with significant refurbishments at Kempston Pool and Robinson Pool & Fitness. Bedford International Athletics Stadium will also see its facility receive a bit of TLC.
Our parks and open spaces will also continue to see a boost with various tree planting schemes to enhance our green spaces, contributing to community well-being. Alongside keeping our Embankment beautifully maintained as a community space for recreation, walking, and outdoor activity.
All these initiatives are for the benefit of residents across the Borough so that everyone can lead healthier, happier lives.
Investing in and supporting families
At the heart of my and the Council’s vision helping local people thrive. The capital programme is full of initiatives to help local residents and families thrive.
This means more money to increase school places available at Wixams Secondary Academy, Lincroft Academy and Bedford Academy. A new state-of-the-art primary school, a new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school and the funds to maintain our sites.
We will be able to accommodate the rising student numbers while providing modern learning environments and improving educational opportunities/outcomes for our children.
This is combined with investment into two children’s centres which are getting a refurb, offering more support for families and more funding for temporary accommodation to help our most vulnerable residents. We are making sure residents have access to great schools and vital support services when they need them.
Moving to a more prosperous future
A thriving Borough needs jobs, businesses, and great town centres, and the Capital Programme has a clear plan to make that happen.
There is £25 million dedicated to revitalising our town centres in Bedford and Kempston, including improvements to retail spaces, public areas, and enhancing business opportunities.
There is also extra funding to ensure public realms around the Town Centre are well maintained to keep it looking clean and tidy for shoppers, visitors, and businesses.
But it’s just not all about the towns, we are also constructing Wixams Railway Station, a key manifesto commitment of mine, that will unlock vital connectivity improvements that will support our residents and the local economy.
With these projects, Bedford Borough is on track to become a stronger, more dynamic economy, making it a great place to work, live and relax.
How are we paying for all this great stuff?
One of the best parts of the programme is the focus on “invest-to-save” projects. Investments in temporary accommodation (TA) gives us the ability to house our most vulnerable people more affordably, ending the previous administration’s historic and costly reliance on expensive agency staff and hotel placements. Acting now means avoiding bigger bills or missed opportunities down the line.
Additionally, many local councils like us often have to turn to a modest amount of borrowing as a tool to make it happen in addition to other methods of funding like Council Tax and Business Rates.
In the long term these investments mean freeing up more money for public services, more money to help maintain our roads and paths, more money for our parks and open spaces.
This isn’t just about building shiny new things – it’s about building a stronger and more prosperous future for Bedford Borough.
This is a monthly guest column provided by elected
Mayor Tom Wootton (Conservative). It is published unedited and
does not reflect the views of the Bedford Independent.
