At its meeting on Thursday 24 February, Central Bedfordshire’s Council agreed its annual budget which will see substantial investment in infrastructure projects as well as providing added support for our more vulnerable residents.

The budget means an overall rise in council tax of 1.95% which includes the application of a 1% Adult Social Care Precept, to help fund adult care services.

Following the meeting of Full Council, the Executive Member for Corporate Resources, Cllr David Shelvey, explained:

“The increase in Council Tax is not a decision we take lightly, but it is necessary to protect services and meet the increasing demands to provide care for more older people and provide more support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)."

“Along with £12million of efficiencies planned for next year we are also investing £240million in infrastructure projects. We’re improving roads, building care homes and schools and increasing leisure provision.”

Work will start soon on the new M1-A6 link road and rail freight interchange at Sundon. And work is also underway at the new transport interchange at Flitwick with a similar one soon to start at Biggleswade railway station. The new Arlesey relief road and its associated development will support hundreds of new homes, bringing lots of new community facilities. 

Cllr Shelvey continued: “Our independent living scheme, All Saints View, will open its doors and work will complete on Marigold House, the new state-of-the-art residential home for older people in Leighton Buzzard.

“As well as opening a brand-new secondary school in Houghton Regis, Houstone School, we’re transforming Sandy Secondary School and expanding other schools to accommodate more pupils.”

More detail on the budget will be issued to all Central Bedfordshire households with information on Council Tax levels, during March.

Our Council Tax support scheme is available for residents who may struggle to pay their Council Tax.