Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats

Today, October 10th is World Mental Health Day, and Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats are backing this year's theme of 'Mental Health for All'. As the President of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) says, "Mental health is a human right - it's time that mental health is available for all." You can read more about this year's World Mental Health Day on the WFMH website here.

Bedford Borough Council's Licensing Committee Chair has spoken of the importance of events and culture and how people are looking ahead to being able to get together again for live entertainment, following the publication this afternoon of the decision to grant a licence for the 2021 Bedford Park Concerts. She adds that the Bedford Park Concerts bring excitement to thousands and have a 'track record' as a safe and successful event.

The latest weekly coronavirus statistics for Bedford Borough have been published. Presented once again in easy-to-read infographic form, the figures show that in the seven days up to October 4th:

• 1,916 people have been tested (6 fewer than the previous week)
• There were 118 Covid-19 cases (46 more than the previous week)
• The weekly positive cases per 100,000 population was 68.1 (up from 41.5 in the previous week)

Cllr Sarah Gallagher and Mayor Dave Hodgson have welcomed the long-awaited opening of the new Shortstown Surgery, which is now open following many years of campaigning by Cllr Gallagher alongside local residents.

Cllr Gallagher, the Ward Councillor for Eastcotts, commented on the 'vast improvement' the new facility represents in comparison to the previous surgery in the village. You can watch a video recorded by Cllr Gallagher on site here.

Today is World Teachers' Day, and Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Children's Services Committee Spokesperson Cllr Hilde Hendrickx has thanked teachers across Bedford Borough for all that they do. She has also paid tribute to teachers for the 'incredible lengths' they have gone to during the the coronavirus pandemic on behalf of children and young people.

The latest weekly coronavirus statistics for Bedford Borough have been published. Presented once again in easy-to-read infographic form, the figures show that in the seven days up to September 27th:

• 1,922 people have been tested (55 more than the previous week)
• There were 72 Covid-19 cases (23 more than the previous week)
• The weekly positive cases per 100,000 population was 41.5 (up from 28.3 in the previous week)

Commenting on the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) damning report following its latest inspection of the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST), Bedford Borough Council Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Cllr Dean Crofts has slammed the Trust for failing its staff and the public at large, and described the situation as 'an absolute scandal'.

The government has announced emergency legislation that will help support tenants over the winter months.

Eviction notice periods have been increased to six months, meaning that tenants who are served notice will be able to stay in their homes until the end of March 2021, allowing them extra time to find alternative support or accommodation. Some exceptions remain, including where a tenant has demonstrated anti-social behaviour or committed fraud, and the landlord would like to rent the property to an alternative tenant.