County Unitary U-Turn Causes Uncertainty
On 7 July, Beds County Council announced that they would seek a judicial review of the decision by Government to award Unitary Status to Bedford Borough Council.
The County Council had already indicated publicly that it would accept the decision and work with Mid and South Beds District Councils on a Unitary solution for the rest of Bedfordshire – effectively a Central Bedfordshire Unitary Council.
Jaki Salisbury, Chief Executive said: We are very disappointed, but not totally surprised that Beds County Council have u-turned on their previous public statement and a promise to us that they would accept the Government’s decision.
“A judicial review may delay things and will undoubtedly extend the uncertainty over the future of local Government in Bedfordshire. This helps nobody, not our customers, nor our staff.
“This judicial review smacks of desperation and is a waste of council taxpayers’ money by the County Council.
“The Bedford Borough Bid with the supporting submission for a Central Bedfordshire Unitary Authority, was robust and supported by almost 90% of residents who expressed a preference. The County Council should respect both the Government’s decision and the views of the Bedfordshire population.”
Leader of Mid Beds District Council, Tricia Turner, said: "I am disappointed and saddened by Beds County Council's decision to spend yet more taxpayers' money in seeking a Judicial Review of the Government's proposal to grant unitary status to Bedford Borough.
“Beds County Council have agreed to work with the Districts to put forward a joint submission for a second Unitary Authority in Bedfordshire at the earliest opportunity, as requested by Government.
“However Beds County Council will now at the same time, be pursuing a separate course of action, namely challenging the Government's decision.
“I believe the Judicial Review process can only be viewed as a very costly distraction."
END
This press release was issued in August 2007. For the latest details on Central Bedfordshire, including the successful unitary bid please visit www.centralbeds.gov.uk
