The Conservative Mayor for Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton, together with his cross-party Executive, has taken proactive steps to safeguard the Council’s financial future.

Due to significant increases in demand for service, the Council faces a backdrop of intense fiscal pressure. Over the last 10 years, the Council’s core spending power has dropped – by 7% in real terms.

The Mayor will be writing to the Government, urging them to increase support for Bedford Council and its residents. However, in order to get the ball rolling and show that the Council is already taking significant steps to address financial pressures, he has invited renowned local government expert Theresa Grant OBE to come to Bedford Borough and advise him on some key steps that can be taken. Ms Grant is a highly respected figure with a track record of supporting and advising councils facing similar circumstances, including Liverpool and Southampton.

Bedford is not alone in facing these challenges. Councils across the country are grappling with relentless, demand-led pressures – particularly in critical areas such as adult social care, homelessness, temporary accommodation, and children's services.

 
However, Children’s services is one of the Borough Council’s bright spots – bucking the national trend. While many councils across the country report severe overspends in children’s social care, Bedford’s children’s services have managed to come in under budget through robust financial management and innovative service delivery. Proof that management and Officer focus can make a difference even amid funding cuts.

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton commented: 

“I have called in Theresa Grant to look at Bedford’s finances as I want to ensure 2 key things:
 

1. That we end the repetitive cycle of cuts to services and micromanagement of budgets, that result in poor outcomes for residents and a seemingly neverending feeling of crisis that have characterised the last 15 years.
2. I want to ensure that Bedford Borough’s finances are resilient and that we can have a Borough that delivers good services to its residents, with resources directed clearly to where they are most valuable and most needed.”

Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Graeme Coombes commented:

“The Mayor has made it clear – we will not repeat the mistakes of years past and salami slice budgets and services until an unexpected financial crisis hits us.

 
By bringing in renowned outside expertise and reviewing our financial position now, the Mayor is showing that under his leadership, Bedford Borough Council will do what’s necessary to protect essential services for our residents and demonstrate financial resilience.
 

Prudent management means taking action now, today, before a tipping point is reached – not continuing as the Council has for years, waiting until trouble hits.”