Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) Budget
CBC have started their consultation on the draft budget and ask for responses by the 24 January 2023.
Although the proposals are subject to Executive approval next week, CBC want to give residents as much time as possible to have their say on the proposals and are opening the consultation for feedback from today.
The headlines from the 2023/24 budget reports are as follows:
- Plans to spend around £475 million on services
- Plans to spend £253 million on new facilities like schools, leisure centres and care homes
- Plans to increase efficiency, reducing costs by £9.5 million
They face a challenging financial climate caused by rising inflation and increasing demand for services.
Inflation has added an extra £16.6 million to the cost of running the Council over the next year, while demand for our adult social care and children’s services increases.
CBC pride themselves on good financial management and planning which has left us in a sound position. CBC had already budgeted for some increase in inflation, and they are looking at efficiency improvements to reduce running costs and using some of our reserves (savings) to reduce the impact the on Council Tax for this coming year. With the rising cost of living this is particularly important given the pressures on households.
Our budget means we can continue to provide the vital services you expect from us through these financially challenging times.
The consultation is available online at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/budget
Paper copies will be available in our libraries, leisure centres and children’s centres and we have sent you some too.
Residents can continue to request a paper copy by calling us on 0300 300 8301.
If you would like additional printed copies, please let us know via the following email address: communications@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Feedback from the consultation will be collated and presented to the February Executive, in advance of decision making on the finalised budget which will be recommended to Full Council.
Police and Crime Commissioner 
Have requested feedback on their Annual Budget and Precept review.
Bedfordshire PCC consults with residents about police budget for 2023/24 – Bedfordshire PCC
The consultation will close on the 20th January 2023.
Stondon Parish Council
The Parish Council will meet on the 11 January 2023 to discuss their budget. We will be looking at the impact of increased costs and the need to fund community projects.
We will also be looking at ensuring current assets, such as the Village Hall and open spaces, are maintained for community use.
Once the budget has been reviewed and agreed, funding for the budget via the precept will be approved. The agenda will be published three clear days before the meeting.
Breakdown of Council Tax bill against different organisations.
| Central Bedfordshire Council | 71% |
| CBC – Adult Social Care | 10% |
| Police and Crime Commissioners | 11% |
| Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue | 5% |
| Parish Council | 3% |
More detail on some of the calculations involved are available from this webpage on precept calculations.