Bedford Borough Council is inviting residents and businesses to share their views on our budget proposals for 2025/26.
The Council has ambitious plans to enhance the quality of life for its nearly 190,000 residents, while also improving the visitor experience. The priorities span essential services, including planning and infrastructure, waste and recycling, street cleaning, homelessness services, social care, and community safety.
Cllr Graeme Coombes, Portfolio Holder for Finance & Corporate Services said; “Like all local authorities, we continue to face financial pressures due to a combination of factors, including increasing demands for services, particularly around Adult Social Care and Temporary Accommodation. Both the Council, its local suppliers, and providers will also see increased costs next year from increases to the national living wage and national insurance. As a Council, we have a strong track record of good financial management, but we still face a budget gap of £15.7 million next year.
“As in recent years, the Council will have to make difficult decisions to set the 2025-2026 budget in light of continuing financial challenges and uncertainty about changes to funding from government. We will ensure resources and money are directed to those services most in need.”
The proposals will continue the drive for major change and continue the ambitious four-year plan to transform service quality and improve organisational and process efficiencies. Resources will be realigned to priorities whilst protecting and improving services to the customer.
This budget also outlines areas of longer-term ‘capital’ spending, investing in the future of the Borough. This investment seeks to recognise the need to support town centres, the essential maintenance of highway and property assets, the commitment to high quality leisure services, a positive response to demand led services and the delivery of health and well-being improvements.
Cllr Graeme Coombes added; “Every year we work hard to ensure we use the money and resources available to provide high-quality services for the residents and businesses of Bedford Borough.
“Rising demand for statutory services like social care and homelessness support have added to our cost pressures and this budget aims to address these, as well as the other, significant challenges confronting our borough and society at large.
“Efficiency and value for money remain firmly at the forefront of all our planning.”
How to have your say
Residents, businesses, and partners are invited to give their views during the public consultation. Responses will help inform next year’s budget.
The budget consultation will run from Thursday 21 November to Friday 20 December.
You can find out more and have your say at www.bedford.gov.uk/budget2025-26.
Hard copies of the questionnaire are available in the Bedford Borough Hub, in Bedford Borough libraries during staffed hours, and on request by emailing consultingbedford@bedford.gov.uk or by writing to Consulting Bedford, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford MK42 9AP.
Completing the survey should take approximately 10 minutes. Each response will be thoroughly examined, and the findings will contribute to a report in February 2025, forming part of the final budget papers.
Cllr Coombes said; “We want to hear from you – please take a moment to let us know what you think about our budget proposals and our plans for investment into the future.”
What happens next
Feedback will be gathered from various stakeholders, including residents of the borough, local businesses, councillors, trade unions, and third-sector groups.
The findings from the consultation will be given to the Mayor and councillors as part of the evidence they will use to help them come to a decision about the budget proposals.