Executive agrees spending plan

For the fifth consecutive year the authority does not intend to increase its share of council tax while still protecting front-line services.

The meeting recommended the Central Beds Council element of a band D council tax bill will remain at £1,308.33.

That is despite the fact that Central Bedfordshire, in common with all local authorities, is facing significant reductions in its grant funding from central government – and in order to balance the budget, the plan includes savings amounting to £13.7million.

One of the budget’s key focuses is on the council’s approach to provision for older people and more vulnerable residents.

Significant investment is planned for independent living schemes and sheltered housing to allow people to live as independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

Among the figures for the £186.5million revenue budget are plans to spend £63.7million on social care health and support services, £44.2million on children’s services and £36.4million on community services.