Mayor Slams Rail Betrayal as Government 'Pauses' Electrification and Threatens East West Rail Progress

Mayor Dave Hodgson has slammed yesterday's announcement by the government that Network Rail's infrastructure projects up to 2019 are being reviewed, with the electrification of the Midland Mainline north of Bedford to be 'paused'. The announcement comes after months of excessive noise at all hours, roads disruption and more have been suffered by residents in villages along the route in north Bedfordshire. Meanwhile, the announcement that the delivery of infrastructure projects in this period are to be reviewed also places a question mark over the timescales for the much-heralded East West Rail link between Bedford and Oxford.

Local Cost of Government’s ‘Reckless and Brutal’ in-year Cuts for Councils Estimated at £500,000

Mayor's Welcome for East West Rail Routes on to Cambridge From Bedford

Mayor Issues Warning on Council Funding Pressures

Mayor Dave Hodgson has echoed a stark warning from the Local Government Association (LGA) that local services are being placed under severe threat not only by unprecedented government cuts but also spiralling cost pressures imposed on Councils. The LGA has calculated that Councils face an additional £10 billion of cost pressures by 2020, with over £6 billion of this comprising government policies to be implemented over the period.

A 'Dark Day for Local Services' as Autumn Statement Confirms Brutal Cuts

Following confirmation of massive cuts in funding for local authorities in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Autumn Statement, Mayor Dave Hodgson declared that it was a 'dark day for local services'.

Mayor Attends Downing Street Self-Build Housing Summit and Launches Borough's Own Register

Mayor Dave Hodgson yesterday attended a Self-Build housing summit at 10 Downing Street, and announced the launch of Bedford Borough's Custom and Self-Build Housing Register. The Council is asking residents who might wish to pursue a Custom or self-build housing project to sign up to the new register.