Ahead of next week's Executive Meeting, several new project proposals have been announced to further reduce the council's carbon emissions. The proposals set out funding for more solar panels on council buildings, new electric council vehicles, providing the charging infrastructure in the depot for the council's switch to electric vehicles as well as increasing tree planting.
Commenting on the Empty Homes Update to the Housing Committee that shows the number of homes empty for over five years has decreased by 35% since 2014, Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson Councillor Dean Crofts said "This update is very encouraging. It shows that the programme has been a big success and as a council, we have brought wasted resources and space back into use. This means buildings that may have previously attracted anti-social behaviour are now being restored back into our communities for people to live in."
Responding to the Budget announcement, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Councillor Christine McHugh said "Today the Chancellor's Budget failed to address the cost of living crisis that millions of people face across the country. People who work hard, pay their taxes and play by the rules deserve a fair deal. Instead the Chancellor could only offer record high taxes, benefits cuts and no answer to energy bills skyrocketing by the day.
We are delighted to announce that Bedford Borough Council is funding a range of active child care activities across October Half Term. All places are FREE for:
Ahead of next week's Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Health Councillor Dean Crofts expresses his concern on the demands on mental health services and the impact on those needing treatment. Councillor Dean Crofts said: "The data shows that mental health services in the BLMK (Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes) area are incredibly stretched. It is very concerning that referrals for our region in the last 5 months are 100% greater than the national average. COVID-19 has had an undeniable impact on the wellbeing of us all, and has contributed to the increased demand for a service that was already struggling."
Commenting on the Government's COVID winter plan Liberal Democrat Group Leader Councillor Christine McHugh reminded last week's Local Outbreak Engagement Board that "The national Government's response has been behind the curve throughout the pandemic, reacting too late to trends that were in fact obvious. Despite the success of the vaccines and vaccine rollout, the latest figures show there are over 10 times the number of cases, 16 times the number of hospitalisations and 3 times as many deaths now compared with the same time last year. In addition, national commentators are saying hospitals are currently operating close to winter-level pressures before winter has even begun."
