People across the Borough are being urged to have their say on Bedford Borough Council’s first set of budget proposals for the next financial year.
The Mayor’s cabinet has agreed to launch a formal consultation on the proposals published last week, aiming to save £11.5million in 2026/27. This is part of the ongoing work to find a total of £32million in the next financial year.
Now residents, businesses, and partners are being invited to provide feedback on the proposals by taking part in the consultation process, which runs from Monday, 20 October to Tuesday, 18 November.
Councillor Marc Frost, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Services, said, “These are extremely challenging proposals for what is an extremely difficult time.
“Like all councils across the country, we are facing financial challenges because of higher demand for services, especially in Children’s Social Care, Adults’ Social Care and Temporary Accommodation. Although we have managed our finances well, we still have a budget gap of £32.5million for the next financial year.
“This means we will face difficult decisions when setting the 2026-2027 budget, but we remain committed to directing resources to essential services while ensuring efficiency and value for money.”
The proposals are designed to maintain and improve council operations amid these challenges, with a focus on protecting services, raising quality, making processes more efficient, focusing resources where they are most needed and delivering better customer service.
The consultation runs from midday on Monday, 20 October until midday on Tuesday, 18 November. Information on how to take part will be published on the council’s website on Monday.
People will also be able to request a hard copy of the survey from our libraries during staffed hours, or from the Bedford Borough Hub on Horne Lane, Bedford.
It's also possible to ask for a hard copy by emailing consultingbedford@bedford.gov.uk or by writing to Consulting Bedford, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford MK42 9AP.