Bedford Borough Council is proposing to increase the majority of its fees and charges by around 10 per cent from December 1, 2025 as it tries to close a growing financial gap.
A report to the Executive on November 19 says the council must raise more income to deal with rising staffing and inflationary pressures. The authority faces a £32.6m shortfall in 2026/27 and £58.7m by 2029/30.
Charges would rise across adult social care, children’s services, bereavement, legal services, parks and leisure.
Read: Bedford Borough Council faces £58.6m medium-term gap as borrowing rises and savings tighten
Some specialist services will increase by more than 10 per cent where full cost recovery is required – including residential care for disabled children, where daily rates at one setting have jumped by 56 per cent.
Statutory charges, such as council tax penalties, cannot be changed.
If approved, the new pricing would take effect from 1 December or as early as possible. Directors would also be able to adjust or introduce charges during the year in consultation with portfolio holders.
By John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
