Mayor Dave Writes - Up for the Challenges Ahead

In his latest monthly column for the Bedford Borough Bulletin, Mayor Dave Hodgson has highlighted the strength of his new Cabinet and stressed the importance of 'hitting the ground running in the task of continuing to save services, create jobs and protect our environment.'

The column notes the inclusion of a new Portfolio in the form of Cllr Henry Vann's Town Centres and Planning brief, adding that Cllr Vann's 'passion and commitment to our towns' will help to deliver the strong and effective response we need in the context of the growing challenges for all UK town centres.

You can read the full column below, while the Bedford Borough edition of the Bulletin can be read here:

I think most people are suffering from election fatigue at the moment, but looking back to the recent Mayoral election, I am hugely grateful to have been re-elected for a fourth term. I want to thank everyone for their support, and also to assure everyone that the hard work on behalf of everyone across the Borough, whoever they voted for, got back underway immediately.

Many new Councillors have been elected, and I look forward to working with them and all councillors in the four years to come. I held discussions with representatives and individuals from each council group in the days following the elections, in order to establish and consolidate good working relationships.

The first announcement of the new term was the creation of a new Climate Change Cabinet Committee. This will involve all parties and will have an important role as we strive to maintain and accelerate the progress we've made in cutting carbon, while aiming for zero carbon by 2030.

The next key announcement was the composition of my new Cabinet. This features Liberal Democrat, Labour and Independent Councillors, representing over two-thirds of the seats won across Bedford Borough in the local elections.

All of the Cabinet Members have a track record as Councillors, and it's crucial that we hit the ground running in the task of continuing to save services, create jobs and protect our environment.

The portfolios include a new town centres brief, reflecting the particular, growing challenges for all UK town centres and which need a strong, effective response. With his passion and commitment to our towns Cllr Henry Vann, who also takes on Planning matters, will help to deliver that, in partnership with local businesses and others.

In common with the rest of the incredibly strong Cabinet team, I look forward to working with him to get the best for our communities.

Mayor Dave Hodgson