For the February half term break, Bedford Borough Council will continue to provide supermarket vouchers to thousands of families who are entitled to income related free school meals.
From Saturday 11 to Saturday 18 February, families are invited to visit Bedford Borough Libraries for free fun craft activities. Bedford Central, Bromham, Kempston, Putnoe, and Wootton libraries all have activities planned. Crafts include; creating bug masks, paper bag dinosaurs, and Valentine's Day Cards. There will also be colouring and Lego clubs in all the libraries. Bedford Central Library has a special half-term Story Time on Wednesday 15 February 11:30am - 12:00pm.
Following recommendations - which included securing an independent review and a resetting of departmental priorities and input from the Environment Committee's Task and Finish Group - from the Planning Advisory Service and a Task and Finish Group, Bedford Borough Council's Planning Service has made excellent progress against national targets. Minor applications are now being determined within eight weeks 87% of the time (November 2022) - a huge improvement since actions were taken and well above the government's 70% target. The proportion of major applications determined within 13 weeks has also remained comfortably above the national target.
Over the last few months, Mayor Dave Hodgson has announced a number of schemes and grants aimed at supporting Bedford Borough residents through the cost of living crisis. Some of the actions taken include helping to create a network of Warm Spaces, providing grants to a number of charities and organisations, as well as continuing to offer 100% Council Tax support to the most vulnerable residents. The key schemes are outlined below:
Bedford Players Trust, on behalf of Bedford Borough Council, are inviting all cultural and community groups to apply for funding through the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) Cultural Programme, run in partnership by Bedford Borough Council and Historic England.
Mayor Dave Hodgson has announced the Council will invest millions into the Schools Capital Programme in 2024. This will fund two new primary schools in Wixams and Sharnbrook and around 40 new classrooms through expansions to Wixams Academy, Bedford Academy and schools west of Bedford. The investment will make sure that there is strong education infrastructure across the Borough.
