Proposed Council Budget: Investment in Key Services and a Council Tax Freeze (East of England Liberal Democrats)

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Proposed Council Budget: Investment in Key Services and a Council Tax Freeze

January 20, 2012 5:16 PM
Originally published by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats

Mayor Dave Hodgson

Bedford Borough Council's proposed budget reveals that despite the extraordinarily tough financial situation, key services are to be protected while Council tax will once again be frozen. The Council undertook extensive public consultation on a four-year package of savings proposals before Christmas, as part of Mayor Dave Hodgson's commitment to working with residents in tackling the authority's vast £36 million funding gap. Thousands of responses were received, and after the savings package was approved in December, the detailed budget proposals to be considered by the Mayor's Executive on Wednesday show that savings made are enabling extra investment and support for key services for residents. With an ageing population, there is an additional £0.9 million to meet increasing demand for social care services, while there is also an extra £0.9 million for vulnerable children looked after by the Council.

Unlike many other areas in the current climate, there will be no closure of libraries or children's centres, while there will be significant investment in school buildings and important infrastructure for the Borough such as road improvements and the completion of the Western Bypass. In addition, council tax bills are being frozen despite high inflation, on the back of a council tax cut last year which was reported to be the biggest in the country. Meanwhile, the proposed budget confirms that thanks to sound financial management, there is no requirement for any increase in external debt.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "In difficult times more than ever we must make sure that every pound is spent in the best way possible. I am grateful to everyone who took part in the consultation to deliver the savings which enable use to continue to protect key services and avoid the sort of widespread cuts and closures seen elsewhere. We have obviously maximised savings in back office costs, focussing on key services such as protecting vulnerable children and adults and savings facilities such as libraries and children's centres from closure."

Cllr Michael Headley

"All parties on the Council have worked together on this at every stage, and we are committed to continuing to work together to ensure that we make every penny count in the current climate and are able to provide the best possible services for residents."

Bedford Borough Council Finance Portfolio Holder Cllr Michael Headley added: "Good financial management is more important than ever during these difficult times, and we are pleased to now be in a position where no more external borrowing is required. We have been able to do this at the same time as investing in the Borough's future, committing £41 million for improved school buildings, for example, and tackling the backlog of road repairs which built up over many years."

Highlights of the budget proposals, to be considered at a meeting of the Council's Executive on Wednesday 18^th January, include:

£0.9 million a year extra for support for an ageing population
£0.9 million a year extra for vulnerable children looked after by the Council
An additional £200,000 a year for adaptations to help people stay in their homes and live comfortably
£41 million investment in school buildings and facilities
A council tax freeze
£5.9 million a year for roads and pavements
Funds to deliver the final section of the Western Bypass