Bedford Borough Council is resisting the UK government's push for a four-council devolution deal encompassing Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes, citing concerns that rural areas would be overshadowed by urban priorities. Mayor Tom Wootton and MP Richard Fuller advocate for a larger six-council South Midlands authority including Northamptonshire, arguing this would better reflect economic ties and meet the government's population benchmark for strategic mayoral authorities.
The proposed six-council model would cover 1.7 million people and support major infrastructure projects, aligning with existing regional economic collaborations. Central Bedfordshire Council also opposes the four-council deal, with its leader suggesting a public vote on the matter.
Meanwhile, Luton and Milton Keynes councils support the government's preferred four-council arrangement, warning that failure to agree by the 26 October deadline risks losing vital investment and local control over transport and skills. The government maintains the four-council footprint is the only viable option within current timescales.
Read the full story: Bedford Independent local news.
Source: Bedford Independent local news. Aggregated summary, not independent reporting.