The Central Bedfordshire Council has been unable to reach an agreement on the budget for the 2026-27 financial year. This has sparked concerns over the council’s ability to meet the legal requirement of delivering a balanced budget by March 11. The recent failure to approve the budget has raised questions about the political dynamics at play within the council.
Voting Outcome
During a recent council meeting, the proposed budget received 17 votes in favor, 34 votes against, and four councillors abstained from voting. As a result, a new vote has been scheduled for March 5, 2026, where a final decision will be made.
Comments from Leadership
Adam Zerny, the leader of the council and an independent councillor, criticized the opposition parties for their role in delaying the budget process. Zerny stated that political maneuvering had disrupted the council’s ability to move forward with the necessary financial decisions. He emphasized that his decision to become an independent councillor was motivated by his desire to challenge such behavior and ensure that the council’s financial decisions are not obstructed by partisan politics. Currently, the council operates without overall political control, with a minority administration led by the Independent Alliance group. Members of this group, who form the council's executive team, supported the proposed budget.
Opposition Parties' Positions on the Budget
Various political parties have expressed their opposition to the proposed budget, each raising different concerns:
Reform UK
Two councillors from Reform UK supported the budget. Councillor Pat Hamill highlighted the risk of financial instability if the budget was rejected. He pointed out that while the council was not currently bankrupt, rejection of the budget could push it toward a critical financial state.
Conservatives
The Conservative group opposed the budget. Leader Richard Wenham criticized the plan for imposing additional service cuts and argued that the Independents had drastically reduced the council’s reserves from £115 million to £37 million over the past three years. He also claimed that the Independents had failed to deliver on their previous budget proposals.
Central Bedfordshire Community Network
The Central Bedfordshire Community Network, comprising 12 councillors, did not support the budget. Group member Hayley Whitaker described the budget as having "too many holes," which could lead to further cuts that would negatively impact local residents.
Liberal Democrats
The Liberal Democrats also rejected the budget. Group leader Shaun Roberts stated that the budget would disproportionately affect the poorest residents, particularly through an increase in council tax. He expressed a lack of confidence in the proposed budget’s ability to resolve the council's financial difficulties.
Labour
The Labour group voiced its disappointment over changes to the local Council Tax Support scheme. Councillor Matt Brennan argued that these changes would place the highest real-term costs on areas with the greatest levels of deprivation.
Non-aligned Independents
Victoria Harvey, a non-aligned Independent councillor, also voted against the proposed budget.
Next Steps
The council is scheduled to reconvene on March 5, 2026, to reconsider the budget. Among the proposed changes is a maximum council tax increase of 4.99%. This would result in an additional £91.80 per year for residents in a Band D property.
Community and Media Updates
Residents who wish to stay informed about the ongoing budget discussions and council developments can follow updates through BBC Sounds, Facebook, and Instagram.
Related Developments
- A £6.5 million SEND expansion is replacing the previously proposed new school plan.
- Changes to waste collections have been announced by the council.
- Theatres face potential funding cuts.
- The council plans to cut approximately 100 jobs and increase local taxes.
