Today, June 22nd is Windrush Day, which celebrates the contribution of the Windrush Generation who came to the United Kingdom from the Caribbean in the postwar period.

Mayor Dave Hodgson has wished everyone, especially members of the Windrush generation and their descendants, a happy Windrush Day. You can see the video here.

Local Plans set out where growth and development will take place- everything from houses and jobs to schools and infrastructure.

Bedford Borough Council already has a Local Plan in place up to 2030, and is now looking beyond that period. Next week's Executive meeting is set to discuss a Local Plan Review.

This week is Mental Health Week 2020, and the theme this year is 'Take Action on Covid-19'. With figures showing that men are more likely to die from Covid-19, it is critical that men get the message loud and clear about how to help keep themselves safe through this difficult period.

That includes following the latest guidance for everyone, including staying at home as much as possible, keeping your distance if you do have to go out (2 metres apart) and washing your hands regularly

Mayor Dave Hodgson had previously raised the issue of Bedford Borough's number of positive Coronavirus cases with Public Health England and had asked for more detailed data.

Public Health England and Joint Biosecurity Centre have now agreed to an in-depth investigation of the local situation.

The investigation will look at why rates of infection in Bedford Borough aren't falling as quickly as in other areas, and most importantly, what can be done to bring the rate down and slow the spread of the virus.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "We need more detailed to be able to take effective action to control the spread of the virus at a local level. I am glad Public Health England in conjunction with the Joint Biosecurity Centre have agreed that Bedford Borough will be the priority area to get this 'deep dive' investigation, seeking answers to why rates here are higher than in nearby areas and what actions can be implemented to control the infection."

Public Health England and the Joint Biosecurity Centre are responsible for analysing the data from tests, enabling the virus to be traced and action taken to reduce the spread. By accessing this more detailed information, analysts at Public Health England will be working to identify any hotspots where new cases are emerging, so the appropriate action can be taken.

We already know that the rate of infections is high locally. While these rates remain high, Mayor Dave is asking everyone to continue to stay home where possible.

Mayor Dave said "I would like to thank everyone who has visited the non-essential shops in the last week for their consideration of others and ensuring they remained socially distanced by keeping 2 metres apart. I would also like to thank the shops for all the work they have done to enable social distancing whilst shopping. Social distancing along with regular hand washing makes a huge difference."

Figures released this week show that claims for universal credit in Bedford Borough rose eight-fold between March and April as the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic took hold. With the number of claimants rising from 525 in March to 4,430 in April, Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have raised concerns that flaws in the universal credit system risk unnecessary evictions and a lack of timely support for local residents.

On Wednesday 24 June, Borough Councillors are due to discuss the Bedford Town Centre Plan at the Council's Executive.

The Bedford Town Centre Plan sets out a vision, built on Bedford being a great place to live, work, shop, learn and explore.

Following consultation in 2019, which received over 2000 responses, ideas from Bedford Borough residents and beyond have contributed to the plan. Respondents to the consultation overwhelmingly highlighted the river as their favourite aspect of the town centre, as well as many of Bedford's independent shops and were keen to see a greater diversity of provision in the town centre including more opportunities for leisure activities.

Bedford Borough Council Executive will next week discuss the financial impact of coronavirus in a report which sets out an expected financial gap of £32.6millon over the next two years.

The impact of coronavirus has affected services across the Council, placing them under unprecedented pressure working to deliver care for the vulnerable, elderly and shielded, including through the Community Hub, while keeping vital day-to-day operations running in challenging circumstances.

Bedford Borough Mayor Dave Hodgson has thanked footballer Marcus Rashford for forcing Boris Johnson to perform a u-turn over free school meals.

Children entitled to free school meals will now be provided with meal vouchers over the summer.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "I would like to thank Marcus Rashford and other campaigners for ensuring that some of the most vulnerable children will now be able to have nutritional meals this summer. There are many children in Bedford Borough who may be eligible for free school meals and the vouchers for the summer and I would urge all families to check if their children are eligible, especially if their circumstances have changed since the Coronavirus pandemic."