Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Universal Credit spokesperson Dean Crofts has warned the Conservatives must commit to "major investment" to remedy the problems with Universal Credit. Dean said The Conservative's botched roll-out of Universal Credit continues to cause real pain and misery that must be stopped. Liberal Democrats demand better than the Conservatives' cruel policy of balancing the books on the backs of the poor."

Dean added "Instead of putting the most vulnerable in society through another 12 months of misery, Rudd should end the benefits freeze immediately and fully restore the billions the Tories' cut from Universal Credit's Work Allowance. That is the major investment we need. Failure to do so will see this crisis go on and on."

As part of a range of additional services and support for rough sleepers in Bedford Borough this winter, twenty new overnight beds are available every night through to 31st March.

The new beds are provided via partnership between Bedford Borough Council and the charity SMART, which runs the Prebend Day Centre and extended outreach services. SMART's Chief Executive Anita McCallum is pictured here with Mayor Dave.

The Council's LibraryPlus digital model launched in 2017 is proving to be a success in the three libraries where it was introduced - Bedford Central Library, Bromham Library and Wootton Library. Bedford Borough has a higher rate of book issues than the average for England with 3,572 issues per 1,000 population (England's average is 2,990).

Mayor Dave Hodgson welcomed leader of the Liberal Democrats Rt Hon Sir Vince Cable to Bedford Borough yesterday, with the former Business Secretary hailing Bedford Borough's remarkable record on investment and jobs growth under Mayor Dave.

Their first visit was to the emerging Bedford Link Logistics Park west of Kempston. When completed, this development will feature five commercial units, with hundreds of new jobs being created on site. Mayor Dave and Sir Vince conducted media interviews and were then shown more of the site by representatives of the development.

They then travelled to The Bedford Swan Hotel for a discussion with a range of local employers at the about the economic outlook both locally and nationally, before Sir Vince met local Liberal Democrat activists prior to returning to London.

In comments during the day, Sir Vince talked of the 'enormous' achievements of Mayor Dave Hodgson during his time in office. He highlighted the Borough's rapid rate of jobs growth and inward investment success, alongside Mayor Dave's record of protecting council services in the face of government funding cuts.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said "My thanks again to Sir Vince for coming to Bedford Borough, and for joining me to talk to a range of local employers about the key issues for them. Sir Vince was able to share his economic insight, and he was interested to learn more about how we've achieved a higher rate of jobs growth here than elsewhere."

Bedford Borough Council's 'Over 70s' programme has returned this New Year.

These gentle exercise classes and activities are a great opportunity to keep moving, try something different, and meet some new people.

There are a range of exercise classes for the over 70s, including chair-based fitness Pilates, table tennis, badminton, and stretch and balance classes.

More bad news from Northamptonshire. Corby Council have call for a delay to the proposed Unitary Council to give more time to reorganise public services.