The proposal

Criteria for proposals

The criteria with which any proposal must conform are:

i) The change to the future unitary local government structures must be:

• affordable , i.e change itself both represents value for money and must be met from councils' existing resources; and
• supported by a broad cross section of partners and stakeholders (although no single council or body will have a veto).

ii) Future unitary local government structures must:

• provide strong, effective and accountable strategic leadership ;
• deliver genuine opportunities for neighbourhood flexibility and empowerment ; and
• deliver value for money and equity on public services.

Proposals for any future unitary authority must consist of either the whole of the area of an existing local authority or a combination of such whole areas  

The Rules

The Government has made it clear there will be no additional government funding for transition from existing structures to new unitary systems . Instead the transition costs incurred by councils are to be repaid in no more than 5 years through the use of revenue savings accrued either from the restructuring process itself or through prudent financial management.

In doing so, Councils are not allowed to increase council tax levels or use capital resources to meet these costs. Councils will have a limited ability to draw upon available revenue reserves but must ensure that satisfactory levels are retained to meet unforeseen pressures.  

Options for Bedfordshire

Following the invitation, the options for Bedfordshire are:

Option 1    A unitary county based upon the existing Bedfordshire County Council boundaries.

Option 2    Two unitary councils – based upon the existing boundaries of (1) Bedford
                   Borough and (2) Mid and South Beds District Councils combined.

Option 3    Two unitary councils – based upon the existing boundaries of (1) Luton and South
                   Beds combined and (2) Bedford Borough and Mid Beds combined.

Option 4    Enhanced two tier – retain the individual identities of the 4 councils in the existing two
                   tier County area but with a very high degree of merged back office and front line
                   services.

Unitary County Proposal

We believe a county unitary would be the best option for Bedfordshire because:

• A county-wide unitary proposal provides the best value for money to residents. Initial estimates indicate a single council for Bedfordshire could save taxpayers across the county £25 million in running costs . It is anticipated that transition costs to move to a unitary authority could be in the region of £10-15million. Payback is estimated to take a minimum of two years. These savings/ costs obviously depend upon a number of circumstances, not least the model of transformation/ reform that is utilised.

• A single council covering all functions would be able to deliver stronger leadership for Bedfordshire. In particular, it would be able to punch above its weight with central government, clearly representing local views on the growth agenda. As such, it would be able to lobby with a stronger voice for investment in transport, new jobs, schools, medical and community facilities which growing communities need.

• A single council will also mean greater accountability to local people and communities. Simplified structures will improve citizen's awareness for who is responsible for the services they receive and strengthen their ability to influence how they are delivered. It will also provide greater opportunities for town and parish councils to have a say on issues that concern their area.

If Bedfordshire does not grasp the opportunity presented by this proposal the county runs the risk of disappearing from the map forever. Unitary structures provide the best chance of securing a  future for the county and in doing so preserving and enhancing its identity.