Consulting on the Very Difficult Decisions Ahead

You may have seen in the press or on the local TV news that this week we published proposals to achieve the £10 million-plus savings required for Bedford Borough Council's budget to balance next year. There are a number of very difficult decisions involved, and that is why we are publishing these proposals so early (the measures ultimately agreed will not take effect until April 2011) in order to enable a genuine, full and open consultation. These potential savings have been identified in order that the Council can continue to provide the services which match residents' priorities, and to ensure that the shortage of funds for Councils are not passed on to local taxpayers as we continue our drive to freeze Council tax next year.

The savings are required due to the extremely difficult economic situation and the vast cuts in public spending which are to come. They will be considered by the Executive at a meeting on Wednesday next week, after which consultation on all of the proposals will take place.

Although we have prioritised the protection of front-line services and have primarily produced savings which would see the Council working more efficiently, there are inevitably consequences involved, and that's why we want to ensure as many people as possible to have the chance to have their say. I hope that people will be supportive of the measures we have identified to increase efficiency, such as the changes to the bin collection routes which will save £260,000, or the merging of HR and Payroll back-office systems to save £50,000 a year. Meanwhile, I hope people will recognise that other decisions which will have an impact on services have not been taken lightly, but instead are being put forward because of the need for the Council to do many things differently if services are to continue to be provided.

Please do take the chance to have your say on the proposals. Once the consultation is underway I will post details of how to get involved here on www.mayordave.org.uk