Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)

Labour councillors declare no confidence in Bedford mayor as opposition pressure grows

Bedford Borough Labour Group has declared no confidence in Mayor Tom Wootton, as opposition petitions calling for his resignation grow ahead of tonight’s council budget vote...

Letters: Every petty sniping councillor should be ashamed of helping to run this Borough’s affairs into the ground

Oh, the joy of reading Paul Hutchison's delicious take-down of Tom Wootton's pompous, disastrous tenure at the helm of our council. It's long overdue that someone should point out the emperor...

Bedford Borough Council’s overspend rises to £14 million as financial crisis deepens

Bedford Borough Council’s forecast overspend has risen to £14.3 million, as internal auditors warned that the forecast overspend exceeds available reserves. The figures were discussed...

Opinion: Mr mayor, a Best Value inspection is embarrassing and the buck also stops with you

Bedford Borough Council faces a Best Value inspection and the Mayor says it's “welcome support”, calling for the chief executive to resign. Bedford needs less blame and more leadership...

What is a “best value” inspection – and why does it matter to Bedford?

A Best Value inspection is one of the most serious forms of government intervention in local government, and it's about to be carried out on Bedford Borough Council. Ordered by ministers under...

What happens if a council “goes bust”? Section 114 explained as Bedford faces financial pressure

Councils can’t technically go bankrupt, but they can issue a Section 114 notice. This guide explains what it is, what happens next, and what it could mean for services, council tax and local decision-making...

Bedford Borough mayor calls for CEO’s resignation over “systemic mismanagement” at council

Bedford mayor Tom Wootton has blamed “systemic mismanagement” within the council after ministers ordered a Best Value inspection amid financial and governance concerns...

Breaking news: Government inspectors to examine Bedford Borough Council as financial pressures continue

Bedford Borough Council will undergo a three-month best value inspection by a government inspector and two assistants as the authority continues to tackle its financial challenges...

Labour group rejects “fence sitting” accusation after abstaining from budget vote

Labour’s decision to abstain from a vote over Bedford Borough Council’s defeated budget has sparked a debate over whether it was ‘sitting on the fence’. The budget, proposed by the...

Labour says abstaining on Bedford council budget was a “responsible choice”

Bedford Borough Labour Group has defended its decision to abstain after the council’s budget was voted down, saying the plans failed to secure long-term financial stability...

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