Damning government report highlights bullying and misogyny at Bedford Borough Council
Bedford Borough Council is under fire following a damning Best Value Inspection Report which identifies serious financial challenges along with issues over leadership, governance, culture and use of resources.
The report, published today, highlights a “bullying and misogynistic culture within the ruling cabinet and across political groups” and states the council is facing particular problems in leadership, governance, culture and use of resources – which have led to “a fast-growing financial challenge which is now both large in scale and urgent”.
The report was carried out by an inspection team on behalf of the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Lead inspector Paul Najsarek, states in the report: “We found Bedford Borough Council in a difficult and deteriorating position overall, notwithstanding some small improvements seen while we were on site.
"The council has significant challenges across all the Best Value themes but particularly in leadership, governance, culture and use of resources. These problems have led to a fast-growing financial challenge which is now both large in scale and urgent.
“No one person or group of people are alone responsible for the failings we set out in our report. However, each part of the council leadership across political groups and officers has played a part in the council reaching this difficult position.
"Unfortunately, the problems we have identified at the council do not give the inspection team confidence that the council can resolve its challenges on its own. We therefore recommend the council needs external support and intervention to make the progress it needs to become sustainable.
“Our recommendations will be challenging for the council to hear but we make them because we believe they are in the interests of the local authority and local residents. As an inspection team we were struck by the pride in the borough that we felt from all the councillors, staff and partners we met in our time in Bedford. The commitment to the place was palpable in all the conversations we had with people regardless of their different roles and perspectives.
“We have been privileged to meet with many committed and talented people within and beyond the Council in doing our work. We would like to thank everyone we have interviewed and all those who have provided us with evidence. Their generosity, time spent in working with us and openness in the way they engaged has been greatly appreciated by the inspection team. This report would not have been possible without their help.”
Chief Executive, Laura Church said; “We acknowledge the significance of the report and the need to increase the pace and scale of change. Our staff have continued to deliver vital services during a demanding period, and their expertise and commitment will be central to the improvements ahead. We will support colleagues through the changes required and keep staff, members, residents and partners informed as the work progresses.
“The Council has engaged fully and constructively throughout the inspection process. We will continue that approach as we respond to the proposed Directions, work with commissioners when appointed and maintain a clear focus on delivering better outcomes for Bedford Borough’s residents.”
Mayor Tom Wootton, acknowledged the findings, stating: “Today, the Government has published the findings of its Best Value Inspection into Bedford Borough Council.
“I understand that the findings will concern residents, and I take them extremely seriously.
“When I became Mayor in May 2023, the council was already facing significant financial challenges. The independent CIPFA review subsequently identified longstanding weaknesses in financial management and governance, alongside serious pressures affecting services today.
“Since then, we have commissioned independent scrutiny, strengthened spending controls and developed a comprehensive Improvement Plan to address these challenges.
“There is still much more to do, and I recognise that.
“My priority remains ensuring that Bedford Borough Council delivers the services you and your family rely on, while managing taxpayers' money responsibly.
“We will carefully consider the findings of this report. I am determined to see this work through and build a council that residents can have confidence in, and most importantly be proud of.”