Bedford Borough Council welcomes today's government announcement for proposals to stop children in care being placed in unregulated accommodation.

There have been growing concerns locally and nationally about the number of children under the age of 16 placed in unregulated accommodation and being left at risk.

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have called for fairer Government Funding for Bedfordshire Police, following its insistence on another large rise in the police precept on council tax on top of the steep rises in recent years.

Following years of severe underfunding, the Government has announced some additional resources for Bedfordshire Police this year, but has made the increase dependent on the maximum council tax rise of 4.95% being levied for 2020/21. This increase follows the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner Kathryn Holloway's 13.8% increase in 2019/20 and the 7.2% rise in 2018/19.

With the February half-term nearby upon us, there is lots happening at The Higgins Bedford and at all of Bedford Borough Council's local libraries.

The Higgins Bedford is hosting a series of creative workshops and activities with 'Sweet Dreams' inspired by the 'Dreams and Nightmares' exhibition, in partnership with Little Science Labs, Red Phoenix Storytelling and Productions, and local artists.

On Wednesday, the Council unanimously voted to support Councillor Patrick Solomon's motion marking the Windrush generation's contribution to British Society.

The motion marked the contribution and also acknowledged the terrible injustices suffered by the Windrush generation. Councillor Solomon made a deeply heartfelt and personal speech of his own family's experiences.

Edward Bawden: Architectural Elements, a new exhibition showcasing Edward Bawden's passion for architecture opens at The Higgins Bedford on Saturday 8th February 2020.

Architecture is a reoccurring subject throughout the extensive body of work of influential British artist and designer, Edward Bawden (1903-1989).

There was unanimous support at last night's Full Council meeting for Cllr Patrick Solomon's motion for Bedford Borough Council to pledge their solidarity and support for local residents of the Windrush generation and their families.

Cllr Solomon introduced the motion, highlighting the betrayal of people who were invited here by the UK government many years ago, only to be threatened with deportation by the Home Office in spite of their legal right to remain permanently.

Mayor Dave Hodgson has, ahead of tonight's Council Meeting that will consider the Council's Budget, outlined details of the four priority projects that will each receive £441,000 to be spent by the end of January 2023.

The four Priority Projects are the Climate Change Fund, the Environment and Street Scene Fund, Town Centre Fund and Youth Empowerment Fund.