Bedford Borough Council is inviting residents, businesses and partners 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.
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 2025/26 budget, in light of continuing financial challenges and uncertainty about changes to funding from government. Resources will be 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 wellbeing improvements.
How to have your say
Residents, businesses and partners are invited to give their views during the public consultation.
These three documents set out the Council's proposed plans:
- Budget Preparation Process 2025/26, Efficiency Plan savings proposals for public consultation (PDF)
- Appendix A: Efficiency Plan - Service efficiencies modernisation opportunities 2025/26 (PDF)
- Capital programme update November 2024 (PDF)
Completing the survey should take approximately 10 minutes. By submitting your response you agree to how we process your personal data in our 'Collect responses to consultations' privacy statement.
Respond to the budget and efficiency plan 2025/26 consultation
The budget consultation will run from Thursday 21 November to midday on Friday 20 December 2024.
If you are unable to respond online, hard copies of the questionnaire are available in the Bedford Borough Hub or in Bedford Borough libraries during staffed hours.
If you need additional support or a hard copy sent to you, please email consultingbedford@bedford.gov.uk or write to us at Consulting Bedford, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford MK42 9AP.
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.