Liberal Democrats lead fight for renters rights
After pressure from Liberal Democrat Peers, the Government have announced major concessions on the Tenant Fees Bill.
After pressure from Liberal Democrat Peers, the Government have announced major concessions on the Tenant Fees Bill.
A post on Twitter on Sunday by a member of a vocal group which took part in the Bedford Busking Fest declared that "Bedford had a great vibe today." I couldn't agree more, and I would add that that vibe extended across the whole weekend, not just on Sunday, and also to a range of events in addition to the Busking Festival. The performing arts festival Bedfringe continued with a number of events over its middle weekend at a variety of venues, while on Saturday it was great to welcome Proms in the Park back to Bedford Park for the first time in a number of years. The fireworks and light show to round it off could not doubt be enjoyed from across town! The busking festival continued on Sunday with a diverse range of performers, adding a lovely extra dimension to a trip into town. Also on Sunday, a very special charity football match took place at the New Eyrie, home of Bedford Town F.C.
Jas Parmar has been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner election taking place in May. Commenting, Jas Parmar said: "I'm very pleased to be selected as the Liberal Democrat Candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner here in Bedfordshire.'
It's World Breastfeeding Week.
At Wednesday's Full Council Meeting Finance Portfolio Holder Councillor Michael Headley outlined the plan to reduce the council's funding gap this year. The plan sets out the measures that are already being taken to balance the budget in the face of unprecedented financial challenges that are impacting local authorities across the country. After years of Conservative government cuts to local government, councils (like all residents) are facing record high inflation, soaring energy prices and stagnant economic growth.
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.