Government Inspectors Sent into Bedford Borough Council Amid Financial Crisis

The Government has launched a formal inspection of Bedford Borough Council following concerns over its financial position. The intervention comes after a £55 million support request and mounting criticism over spending and service performance.

The Government has sent inspectors into Bedford Borough Council in what has been described as a serious and concerning development for the authority.

According to the Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats, the inspection follows an escalating financial crisis at the Council, including a reported £55 million request for government support, three years of what they describe as wasteful spending, and a recent downgrading of Children’s Services by Ofsted.

The party claims Bedford Borough is currently the only council in the country undergoing this type of inspection.

Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, Henry Vann, said the move reflects the state of the authority’s finances and governance, adding that previous warnings had been raised as early as last July. He said residents would ultimately “pay the price” for what he described as leadership failings, but expressed hope that government intervention would mark the beginning of necessary reforms.

The group has pledged to engage with inspectors and says it will support efforts to “stop the waste and turn the council round”.

Call for Mayor’s Resignation

In response to the situation, Liberal Democrat councillors are working with others to submit a petition to full Council calling for the Mayor’s resignation. The party says it believes new leadership is needed to restore stability.

A public petition has been launched online calling for a vote of no confidence.

Half-Term Activities Across the Borough

On a more positive note, residents are being encouraged to make the most of half-term events across Bedford Borough.

Local museums including The Higgins, The John Bunyan Museum and The Panacea Museum are open throughout the week, with special workshops and drop-in sessions available.

Highlights include:

• Clay Puffin workshops and a Circus Skills Spectacular at The Higgins.

• Lego clubs, crafts and board games at local libraries.

• Valentine’s Chocolate Box Making at the Harpur Centre.

• Roller Disco at Bunyan Sports Centre.

• A free paper modelling “Crafternoon” session at The Higgins.

• The Engineering Open Workshop at Shuttleworth, featuring demonstrations, vintage bus rides and STEM activities.

Residents can also meet a Liberal Democrat councillor at Bedford Central Library every Saturday between 10am and 11am without an appointment.

The Government inspection is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with further updates anticipated once findings are published.