Today, the Government has published the findings of its Best Value Inspection into Bedford Borough Council.
I understand that the findings will concern residents, and I take them extremely seriously.
When I became Mayor in May 2023, the Council was already facing significant financial challenges. The independent CIPFA review subsequently identified longstanding weaknesses in financial management and governance, alongside serious pressures affecting services today.
Since then, we have commissioned independent scrutiny, strengthened spending controls and developed a comprehensive Improvement Plan to address these challenges.
There is still much more to do, and I recognise that.
My priority remains ensuring that Bedford Borough Council delivers the services you and your family rely on, while managing taxpayers' money responsibly.
We will carefully consider the findings of this report. I am determined to see this work through and build a Council that residents can have confidence in, and most importantly be proud of.