The Council is run by Councillors, who are elected by the local community. Councillors are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the local community about local services and budgets, such as Council Tax. Each Councillor represents a specific area and serves for a period of four years. The work of a Councillor includes holding surgeries to help local people, supporting local organisations, campaigning on local issues, and developing links with all parts of the community.

Councillors are not paid a salary or wages, but they are entitled to allowances and expenses to cover some of the costs of carrying out their public duties. All councillors abide by a code of conduct, part of which requires them to declare any financial interests, gifts or hospitality that could influence any decisions they make.

The Leader of the Council is Cllr James Jamieson. The post of the Leader is elected by all members of the Council at annual Council meetings. 

The Leader chairs all meetings of the Council's Executive and leads on policy development and implementation. You can search for decisions that are taken by the Council's Executive.

Overview and Scrutiny Committees

The Overview and Scrutiny Committees aim to help improve the quality of life in Central Bedfordshire by monitoring the work of the Council and making recommendations about the services it provides. The Overview and Scrutiny Committees also appoint Task Forces to review issues in more detail.

We have a dedicated website for more information on Councillors, Executive Decisions, Executive Posts, Meetings, MP's and MEP's.

The Corporate Management Team is responsible for managing the activities of the Council staff and for advising councillors on the potential implications of political decisions. 

By law, senior Council staff are not allowed to participate in any political activity and are expected to advise and assist all councillors irrespective of their political affiliation.