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Mayor Dave Hodgson’s monthly column: A time for leadership, not party politics
b9-830 Cllr Dave Hodgson Leader of Liberal Democrats Borough Hall, Bedford. JE 37
AGAINST the backdrop of the most difficult financial situation ever for local authorities, the council’s budget for the year ahead has now been set.
Since becoming mayor I have been committed to ensuring Bedford Borough avoids the widely-reported fate of areas around the country, which have seen libraries and children’s centres closed and rural bus routes disappear.
With the former county council having punished local taxpayers with year after year of spiralling council tax bills, keeping bills down for hard-pressed local households has also been a clear priority alongside protecting services. We are also tackling the vast debt burden we inherited.
The scale of the task we face is unprecedented, with £36million of savings required over the next four years. In light of this, I brought all groups on the council together at the start of the year to try to ensure everyone pulls together on behalf of local residents.
Even though the Conservatives had previously broken a promise to work together after I was first elected, I again invited them to put party politics aside and deliver a joint budget. They agreed, and were involved in the process at every step of the way throughout the year.
However, without warning, they simply abstained when it came to the final vote, not even taking part in the most important decision the council has to make. At a moment which demanded leadership, they froze
The budget delivers the vast savings required while freezing council tax and protecting key services.
It is extremely sad they can’t put party politics aside for the benefit of our communities. I am not angry, just disappointed.
I want to involve all parties, but the Conservatives instead have decided to opt out.
There is no escaping the fact that difficult decisions have to be made. Residents will rightly expect their elected representatives to stand up for them as we seek to deliver the best for Bedford Borough.
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Weather for Bedford
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 25 C
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Wind direction: East
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