Ofsted has today published its latest report on Children's Services in Bedford Borough and whilst the services 'Require Improvement to be Good' the Inspectors have acknowledged the quality of leadership, both political and professional, that has been overseeing an improvement journey instigated by the Borough in 2014.
The controversial programme reviewing local healthcare services in Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes has been placed on a 'fast track', despite Mayor Dave Hodgson's refusal to give the Council's approval as a supposed partner.
The Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) approached the Council at 5pm on Thursday 23rd March to ask for approval for the programme to be fast-tracked, and insisted on a decision by 2pm on the following day.
In his latest monthly column for the Bedford Bulletin, Mayor Dave Hodgson has laid out the dire funding situation in which the 2017/18 Council budget was delivered, and of the importance of the all-party support it received last month.
Here's the full text of the piece:
The combined effect of massive government cuts and rising need for care services is a full-blown funding crisis for Bedford Borough Council. The Council's main government grant is falling from £30 million in 2015 to under £6 million in 2019. By 2020/21, there is a funding gap of £27.5 million.
- Mayor Dave calls for community to deliver 'resounding message' in opposition to the plans 'before it's too late'
Mayor Dave Hodgson has spoken out against new proposals for A&E, Maternity and Paediatric services to each be downgraded in at least one of Bedford, Luton or Milton Keynes Hospitals. He has also called for residents to deliver a resounding message in support of Bedford Hospital in response to the proposals.
Councillors of all parties and independents joined Mayor Dave Hodgson in demanding the protection of key services at Bedford Hospital at a Full Council Meeting last week.
Across the chamber there was unanimity in approving a motion which called for the retention of essential A & E, paediatric and obstetric services in the midst of an ongoing review, the Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) process. The motion also highlights the fact that elected council representatives have largely been sidelined to date in the process.
Speaking on Friday in the wake of Storm Doris last week, Mayor Dave Hodgson praised staff from across the council who were joined by specialist contractors and of course many residents in tackling the difficulties caused by the storm.
Bedford Borough Council received over 80 reports from residents regarding fallen or damaged trees caused by the strong winds, leading to the closure of many roads across the Borough. Council officers and teams from Bartlett Tree Experts worked throughout the day and into the night in bad weather to reopen roads.
Mayor Dave Hodgson has slammed the Government after leaks released this week suggested that special government support has been given to Conservative-run Surrey County Council to avert its now-reversed 15% Council tax rise.
Text messages sent by the Leader of Surrey County Council revealed that Government officials were in direct contact with the authority, with one reading: "I'm advised that DCLG officials have been working on a solution and you will be contacting me to agree a memorandum of understanding."
The Budget proposed by Mayor Dave Hodgson and his Cabinet was passed with overwhelming cross-party support, with 39 votes for and just 1 against.
The context for the budget is a combination of a massive cut in government funding and a sharp rise in the need for services, especially social care for the growing elderly population. The Council's main government grant is falling from over £30 million in 2015 to just £5.8 million in 2019. By 2020/21, the authority faces a funding gap of £27.5 million.
