Bedford Borough to keep Council Tax increase below inflation

Bedford Borough Council's Executive are to consider a core Council Tax increase of 0.9% as well as a 2% for the government's Adult Social Care precept, totalling a 2.9% increase for 2023/24. The increase would mean an average Band D Council Tax of £1,737.92.

This increase is below the rate of national inflation as the Council looks to keep costs down for residents while delivering quality front line services and without having to consider the closure of libraries and children's centres. Bedford Borough Council continues to support the most vulnerable residents in their time of need with significant increased funding in Social Care for adults and children, including supporting children and young people in need of fostering or residential placements, and supporting adults in care and nursing homes, as well as in their own homes.

The Council has faced inflationary pressures of £17m in the budget which had left a funding gap of £6.3m. This has been offset by savings which are focussed on more efficient working of the council, including leasing out more of Borough Hall and generating more energy from the Elstow solar farm.

Councillor Michael Headley, portfolio holder for Finance said "This has been an incredibly challenging budget. Like other councils across the country we have seen unprecedented increases in costs and are continuing to be rigorous in our approach to council spending to ensure we are protecting services and keeping council tax down. We know the impact the cost of living crises is having on residents and are committed to keeping this proposed council tax increase way below the current rate of inflation, which is over 10 percent, and this combines with our freezing of fees for residents, such as parking charges, for this year."

Bedford Borough Executive are due to consider the budget on 25 January.