Bedford Borough Council responded to the Secretary of State yesterday following the publication of the Best Value Inspection report by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
The Secretary of State had indicated that the Government was minded to appoint commissioners to support the Council in securing compliance with the Best Value Duty in relation to leadership, governance, culture, use of resources and continuous improvement, in the report published on 15 October.
The Council’s response recognises the seriousness of the findings set out in the Best Value Inspection report, and the importance of demonstrating sustained and measurable improvement.
The Council is committed to addressing the issues identified, and ensuring that it secures continuous improvement, financial sustainability, effective governance, and the organisational capacity required to deliver good outcomes for Bedford’s residents.
Bedford Borough Council’s response will be published by the Government when it responds to the Council’s representations.
The Council will continue its daily operations and address the issues raised in the full report, which can be found here.
Chief Executive Laura Church said; “The Council has carefully considered the report’s recommendations and recognises the need to accelerate our transformation and improvement journey.
“As we wait for the Government’s feedback to our response, we continue to work closely with staff, members and partners to provide vital services and support to residents in the Borough.”