5th February 2012
Government Backs Bedford Unitary Bid
30th Apr 2007
Plans to cut bureaucracy in Bedford Borough have won government approval. Following a ministerial statement by Rt Hon Ruth Kelly MP Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, the plans, which seek to introduce a unitary authority within the existing borough boundary, have been passed to the final stage of consideration where the views of local stakeholders will be sought.
Along with 26 other schemes, from across the country, Bedford Borough Council put forward proposals to create a unitary or single tier authority for the borough area. This followed a recommendation in the 1990’s by the Local Government Commission to abolish the county council and create unitary authorities in Bedford, Luton and a new central Bedfordshire, created through a merger of South and Mid Bedfordshire District Councils.
Plans put forward by Bedfordshire County Council have also been approved though a joint submission by Mid and South Bedfordshire District Councils, which would have created a new Central Bedfordshire authority, were not.
Bedford’s plans which propose clearer more transparent government and greater local accountability, based in the historic borough, will now be considered for adoption in 2009. A final decision is expected later this year.
Speaking following the announcement, Chief Executive, Shaun Field said, “We are happy that the government have put Bedford forward to the next round and have recognised the strength of our proposals. We believe that the case for a unitary Bedford is very compelling particularly when you consider our strong record on performance and management. It would mean the government is reducing its risks by basing a new unitary on these firm foundations.”
For more information on the bid, please visit www.bedford.gov.uk
