Column: Government funding changes leave us no choice
For the past two years, we’ve made a series of tough decisions to protect essential services. The council has reduced its workforce by more than 150 people, redesigned services, and worked tirelessly to improve efficiency. It hasn’t been easy, but it meant we were finally seeing the benefits.
Our budget was stabilising, reserves were beginning to recover, and crucially, residents were facing what we believed was a fair and manageable Council Tax rise of 3% – in line with inflation.
But the Government’s decision to reduce the funding the Council receives has left a £17 million hole in next year’s finances, and over the next three years we will have to reduce spending by £85 million. This is not a small adjustment, particularly as the demand for adult and children’s social care continues to grow sharply.
The government has forced the Council into a position where it has no option but to propose a 5% Council Tax increase, rather than the 3% we had planned. It should be absolutely clear: this extra 2% is a direct consequence of the Government’s funding decision.
I know residents are already under significant pressure. The cost of living remains high, and household budgets are stretched. Asking you to pay more – again - is not something we do lightly. It is deeply frustrating to all of us that national decisions are leaving local people to pick up the bill.
We are also having to consider further reductions in council costs, reviews of community grants, increases to some fees and charges, and changes to the way certain services operate. None of this is where we hoped to be.
That’s why your voice matters. Our budget consultation is now open until 3rd February 2026. Please read the proposals and share your views at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/budget, or collect a paper copy from any council library.
Together, we can shape the fairest response to an unfair situation.
Cllr Adam Zerny
Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council