Have Your Say On Latest Budget Proposals!

Bedford Borough Council is asking for views on further proposals put forward to help it meet an estimated funding gap of £25 million a year by 2019.

The proposals join those released earlier this year and are on top of the £81million savings already put in place as a result of cutting staff numbers, reducing back office services and introducing new ways of working. These proposals come as Bedford Borough Council tries to fill an estimated funding gap of £25 million a year, by 2019, brought about by unprecedented cuts in government funding and increased demand for council services.

Details about the latest proposals are online and include the following:

• Moving day care services from Conduit Road to Goldington Day Centre.
• Closing the town centre payments office.
• Reducing street cleansing.
• Reducing grounds maintenance.

The Council has also set in motion a number of work streams to develop cost reduction proposals over the medium term, looking beyond the 2016/2017 revenue budget. These include:

o Cultural Services - review of how the Higgins Bedford (including arrangements within the Cecil Higgins Trust), the Corn Exchange and the heritage sites can be provided in a sustainable way in the future;

o Waste & Recycling - a consultation will take place on the option to introduce fortnightly waste collections and the best way to provide green waste collections in the future;

o Libraries - a review of the service and production of a Library Strategy.

Mayor of Bedford Borough Dave Hodgson said: "Despite making over £81 million of savings in recent years the cuts in government funding and pressures of increased demand for Council services mean tough decisions need to be made to balance the budget. It is clear to everyone that we face a long and gruelling process to deliver balanced budgets in the face of a massive funding shortage. We're asking residents to help us meet this challenge and give their views on these proposals."

Cllr Michael Headley, Finance Portfolio Holder added: The government's autumn statement made it clear funding for local councils is going to be cut back even further. This has a severe impact on the way we are able to fund the services we provide to local residents. I urge residents to take part in the consultation so Bedford Borough Council can take everyone's view into account when planning for the future."

To find out more about the proposals and for how to have your say please visit www.bedford.gov.uk/budget2016