Bedford Borough Council has approved Mayor Tom Wootton’s 2026/27 budget that protects frontline services and provides much needed stability at a critical time for the authority.
This budget has been set against the backdrop of sharply rising costs in Adult Social Care, Children’s Services and Temporary Accommodation, alongside a £1.1 million cut in Government funding.
Despite these pressures, £189 million of the budget will be spent on supporting vulnerable residents and running the day-to-day services people rely on - while setting out a clear plan to put the Council’s finances on more sustainable footing.
Key priorities in the 2026/27 budget include:
- £12 million additional investment in Adult Services
- £10 million additional investment in Children’s Services
- Increased support to tackle rising homelessness
- Anti-Social Behaviour Officers for the Town Centre
- Continued investment in road repairs and infrastructure
- Protection of core day-to-day services relied upon by residents
Council Tax will increase by 4.99% (2.99% core plus 2% Adult Social Care precept) to help meet unavoidable cost pressures, while efficiencies continue to be delivered to ensure better value for money.
Mayor Wootton and his Executive are now focused on delivering the budget and driving forward the Council’s Improvement Plan that aims to tighten financial controls and raise performance across the organisation.
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton commented,
“I am pleased that Councillors have come together to support a balanced budget that safeguards adult social care, children’s services and homelessness support at a time of real financial pressure.
This is a time for seriousness and responsibility, where we should all be putting the Borough ahead of party politics.”
Conservative Group Leader, Councillor Graeme Coombes commented,
“This budget has been set at an incredibly challenging time, but it provides the stability Bedford Borough needs.
It strikes the right balance - being prudent and financially responsible where possible, while still investing more where demand is rising fastest, particularly in Adult Social Care and Children’s Services.
By backing this budget, the Council is doing the responsible thing for residents now and protecting vital services for the future.”
Portfolio Holder for Finance and Councillor, Marc Frost commented,
“This budget faces financial realities head on. It invests where demand is rising fastest while continuing to drive efficiencies and strengthening financial oversight.
It gives the Council the stability it needs to move forward and continue delivering our Improvement Plan with discipline.”
