195 businesses in Bedford Borough are facing a huge £840,000 energy bill increase once Government support is slashed in April, new analysis from the Liberal Democrats has revealed.The average bill increase is likely to be around £4,317, putting pubs, restaurants and cafes at risk.
Bookmaker Ladbrokes have named Dave Hodgson as a 2/1 chance for beating the Conservatives in the Bedford Mayoral election due to be held on 15th October, with the Labour candidate out of the race on 10/1.
With many retail stores shut as part of the new national lockdown, Bedford Borough Council is urging everyone to support local businesses by backing BedfordBID's 'Remember November Online' campaign.
The Village Tour 2012, or '60 in 30,' is now over, and I want to thank everyone who came out to speak to me at the 60 mobile surgeries across 60 villages in September's 30 days. The fact that so many residents talked to me to share their views on the important matters for our communities was very much appreciated, as was the welcome I received. A variety of weather conditions were experienced, and I am particularly grateful to those who braved wet and windy evenings or sweltering afternoons (we had both of these extremes, and plenty in between!) in the cause of taking the opportunity to talk to me directly while I was in the neighbourhood.
New figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed the extent of the continuing fall in unemployment in Bedford Borough. The number of people claiming Job Seeker's allowance has fallen by 46% - more than 2,000 people - since February last year. Meanwhile, the age group with the highest proportion of claimants, 18 -24 year-olds, saw a particularly high month-to-month fall between September and October, with the numbers dropping by 16%. This is considerably faster than the regional reduction.
Mayor Dave Hodgson and Bedford Borough Council are backing 'Plastic Free July', the global movement to help people be part of the solution to plastic pollution, and enable cleaner streets, oceans and communities.
