The Mayor of Bedford has today set out the priorities behind Bedford Borough Council’s proposed budget, as papers have been published ahead of the next Executive meeting.
The budget has been described as one focused on stability, realism and long-term responsibility, responding to sustained financial pressures facing councils nationally while protecting the services residents rely on most.
Since 2023, the Mayor’s administration has been working to address serious challenges in the Council’s finances, driven by rising demand for services and increasing national costs. The proposed budget reflects that work and the difficult but necessary choices required to put the Council on a more secure footing.
Nearly £15 million of additional investment is being directed to Adult and Children’s Services, where demand is highest, helping to protect essential care and support for the most vulnerable residents. Alongside this, the Council is delivering over £6 million in efficiency and transformation savings, improving how services are delivered so they are more effective and sustainable in the long term.
The Council has also secured a range of external grants, unlocking investment in priorities such as the town centre, highways and family centres, helping to improve local infrastructure without placing additional pressure on council finances.
Council Tax has been set within the 4.99% limit, reflecting the difficult balance between protecting services and recognising the ongoing cost-of-living pressures facing households. Under current national funding arrangements, councils are expected to make use of this flexibility to maintain service delivery.
Updated Fair Funding data shows that Bedford’s level of need has increased significantly compared with many other councils, highlighting how stretched local services have become and why maintaining previous spending patterns was not realistic.
To support financial stability, the Council is seeking Exceptional Financial Support from Government. This will provide short-term resilience while longer-term reforms are delivered, supported by an independent Improvement Panel to ensure strong oversight and accountability.
The Mayor of Bedford said:
“This is a budget about focusing on what matters most for Bedford Borough. It protects essential care services, invests where demand is greatest, and takes responsible steps to strengthen our finances for the future.
We are being realistic about the challenges we face, while making sure the Council is better placed to support residents now and in the years ahead.”
Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Marc Frost, added:
“This budget reflects the tough but necessary decisions required to stabilise the Council’s finances in a very challenging national context. By prioritising front-line services, improving how the Council operates and strengthening financial controls, we are putting Bedford Borough on a more sustainable footing.
Seeking Exceptional Financial Support will help provide short-term resilience, while the longer-term reforms we are putting in place ensure greater accountability and value for money for residents.”
The budget also includes measures such as reductions in lower-priority spending, further funds for pot hole repair and strengthened financial controls across the organisation.
