Government Approves New Central Bedfordshire Council
The government has announced that after extensive discussions and consultation, two all-purpose unitary councils for Bedfordshire are to be set up next year, replacing the present four local authorities.
One of the two new bodies will be an all-purpose Bedford Borough, within the same boundaries. The second will be formed from an amalgamation of South Bedfordshire and Mid Beds District Councils. Both the new unitary councils will have additional responsibilities passed to them from the present county council. Bedfordshire County Council itself will disappear.
Announcing the decision, Local Government Minister John Healey MP said “today’s announcement means that the people of Cheshire and Bedfordshire now have a clear vision for the future of local government in their area. Like the people of Cornwall, Durham, Northumberland, Shropshire and Wiltshire they can now look forward to new flagship councils that will deliver better services, stronger leadership, savings and greater involvement of the public.
“I recognise that this is inevitably a difficult time for the councils involved but I encourage all authorities going through restructuring to work constructively together to ensure that the new unitary councils can fulfil their potential.”
Consultation
The process of reaching finality in the most extensive reform of local government in Bedfordshire for 34 years has been marked by intensive discussions, detailed research and proposals, widespread consultation with residents, businesses and other groups throughout the county and also some acrimony.
Bedfordshire County Council’s application for a judicial review of the government’s original announcement of its preference for this pattern of councils in the county was heard on 22 February. The outcome of that case may still affect what happens next, but councillors and officials at South Bedfordshire and Mid Beds District Councils maintain that work on planning for the new Central Bedfordshire Council, under way for some months, must continue.
Making it happen
As soon as the government’s implementation order is published, the pace and scope of this joint work will increase. Officers in both present district councils have already jointly started work on detailed implementation plans. In the limited time available, little over a year, councillors and officers must clearly identify the key things that have to happen by 1 April 2009 and put in place essential governance arrangements. The process will need to be very streamlined and pragmatic so that all concerned can focus very clearly on what has to be done.
The overriding consideration is to improve local services for residents and businesses in the central and southern half of the county. Commenting on the government’s announcement, Cllr Norman Costin, Leader of South Bedfordshire District Council said that the decision was what the council and Mid-Beds District Council had been working for, in close co-operation, for months. “Throughout this whole process,” said Councillor Costin, “our aim has always been to construct a strong basis for the work of delivering improved services and value for money for all our residents. We are committed to managing growth well, enhancing efficiency and improving the quality of life for all our citizens, especially the young people to whom the future of the community belongs. This is a major step into a good future for all of us.”
