Bedford Borough Council appears to have lost financial control of its Corn Exchange, outside events and heritage sites budget. The budget for 2014/15 is £296k and if left unchecked the Council is forecasting a loss of £174k; a staggering 59% overspend. This is in addition to a loss of £163k last year and it has been made clear to the Council’s Conservative Group that the Council does not know where and how the losses are being incurred.
The Council’s ‘Corn Exchange’ budget includes events at the Corn Exchange such as weddings, conferences and shows as well as the ‘Number 13’ café bar. It also comprises outdoor events like the Kite Festival and the Victorian Christmas Fair and the Council’s heritage sites, namely Bromham Mill, Moot Hall in Elstow and Stevington Windmill.
Cllr Roger Rigby, the Conservative Environment Spokesman said:
‘This is economic mismanagement of the taxpayers’ funds on an ongoing and large scale. We inquired about losses last year and were told it was to do with the ‘Number 13’ café bar and its early opening overspend which would be remedied. It is quite clear that we have moved to a severe case of financial blindness where the Liberal Democrat Mayor does not have a clue how the losses are being incurred and how to take the right steps to redeem the financial situation. In short, it is a total financial mess from the Liberal Democrat and Labour administration.’