22nd May 2012
Bedford Gets The Go Ahead For Unitary Borough
26th Jul 2007
The government has recognised the high performance and value for money offered by Bedford Borough Council and has announced it is set to become a new unitary authority.
The announcement follows months of consultation and consideration by the Government. Bedford’s bid was one of 26 submitted in January this year including a rival bid put forward by Bedfordshire County Council. The new unitary authority, which will take power in 2009, will be responsible for providing all existing County and Borough services within Bedford Borough.
Speaking following the announcement, Frank Branston, Mayor of Bedford, said: “This is great news for Bedford Borough. The government has recognised the hard work and high level of service provided by Bedford Borough Council. Despite an alternative proposal put forward by Bedfordshire County Council clearly the Borough’s plans offered the best option. The new unitary authority will mean clearer decision making, increased savings and a high performing council providing all local services for the Borough.”
Cllr Nicky Attenborough, Portfolio Holder For Unitary Status, said: “I am extremely pleased that the Government has chosen what was clearly the best solution for the people of Bedford Borough. The Government has recognised the excellent performance of this Council and a substantially more focused submission on the way forward for improving services such as Education and Children's Services that our bid offered. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all the staff at the Town Hall and the Councillors who worked so hard to get us this result.”
