08/02/2026
Last night, I was deeply disappointed that Bedford Borough Council’s proposed 2026/27 budget was voted down, by just two votes.
This was a lawful and viable budget, developed over months of work and informed by speaking to members from across the political spectrum and independent professional advice, at a time when councils across the country are facing some of the toughest financial pressures in years.
Costs are rising fastest in the services the Council is legally required to provide. Demand continues to grow sharply in adult social care, children’s services, and support for homeless households. At the same time, Government funding has not kept pace with these pressures. Combined with long-term decisions made over the past decade, this has left the Council with less financial resilience to absorb sudden increases in costs.
In just the last two years alone, the Council’s revenue budget has increased from £170 million to £225 million, largely to meet growing demand for essential services.
The budget that was rejected was designed to protect frontline services and meet our legal duties, including:
Over £10 million more for Adult Services
Over £10 million more for Children’s Services
Additional funding to tackle rising homelessness
More investment in potholes and road repairs
Not charging for green bin collections
Almost £189 million of the budget was allocated to core services that support vulnerable residents and deliver the essential day-to-day services people rely on.
The failure to set a legally balanced budget places the Council in an extremely precarious position and increases the risk of Government intervention, including the possibility of commissioners being appointed to run the authority. That would mean decisions taken out of local hands and could put services, and staff jobs, at risk.
This was never about party politics. It was about responsibility, stability, and doing the right thing for Bedford Borough.
I remain committed to working constructively with councillors across the chamber to find a way forward that protects vital services, supports our most vulnerable residents, and preserves local democracy.
