Council agrees budget for 2022/23
Date Added: 25/02/2022
Central Bedfordshire’s Council has agreed its annual budget, which confirms a range of service investments, infrastructure projects and efficiency measures for the financial year ahead.
The budget means an overall rise in Council Tax of 1.95% which includes the application of a 1% Adult Social Care Precept, to help fund adult care services.
The increase in council tax is not a decision taken lightly, but even with the £12million of efficiencies planned for next year it is necessary to protect services and meet the increasing demands to provide care for more older people and provide more support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The Council Tax increases for a Central Bedfordshire resident living in a Band D property (which is the mid-point value on the range of council tax values) would be:
• A weekly Council Tax increase of 31 pence for social care
• A weekly Council Tax increase of 30 pence for other services
• A total weekly increase of 61 pence for council services
The council is also investing in the future by committing £240million in some major infrastructure projects, including:
• A new transport interchange at Flitwick, with a similar one soon to start at Biggleswade railway station
• The new Arlesey relief road and associated development
• A major new independent living scheme, All Saints View, in Houghton Regis
• Marigold House, a new state-of-the-art residential home for older people in Leighton Buzzard
• A brand-new secondary school in Houghton Regis, Houstone School
• The transformation of Sandy Secondary School and expanding other schools to accommodate more pupils
Our Council Tax support scheme is available for residents who may struggle to pay their Council Tax. And you can read more about the budget at http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/budget2022
The Council has also adopted a new strategic plan which sets out its priorities and outcomes for the coming five years, rooted in its ambition for Central Bedfordshire to continue to be a great place to live and work for everyone.
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