www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk Latest News

Woman prosecuted for illegally sub-letting social housing property

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:47:00 +0100

Rhona Fry, aged 28, previously of Marshalls Avenue, Shillington, held a tenancy at an Amplius Housing Association property. However, in February 2025, it was found that she had been illegally sub-letting the property for at least 12 months after leaving the Central Bedfordshire area completely.

She was invited to attend an interview under caution, but failed to do so.

At Luton Magistrates Court on Friday 13 March, Ms Fry was prosecuted in her absence. She was ordered to to pay a total of £14,470, comprising £1,070 in costs, an Unlawful Profit Order of £11,400, and a £2,000 victim surcharge.

The Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 makes it a criminal offence for Housing Association and Council Tenants to sublet their property.

Cllr Steven Watkins, Executive Member for Business, Housing and Public Assets from Central Bedfordshire Council, said:

It is completely unacceptable for anyone to misuse social housing by subletting a social housing property illegally. Social housing is a vital and limited resource that must be available to those who genuinely need it. Unlawfully subletting a social home is a criminal offence, and we will not hesitate to take action where we find that people are abusing the system.

We will continue to investigate suspected cases of housing fraud and take appropriate enforcement action to help make sure homes go to residents and families who are waiting for them and need them most.

Ms Fry's former property has since been returned to Amplius, so it can be allocated to someone on the housing waiting list.

Central Bedfordshire agrees refreshed SEND Strategy to improve support for children and young people

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:55:00 +0100

It sets out how the authority and local partners will work together over the next three years to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families.

The SEND Strategy 2025–2028 has been shaped by engagement with children and young people, parent carers and partners across education, health and social care. It sets out a shared commitment to providing earlier help, clearer communication, more inclusive practice in mainstream settings and stronger accountability across the local SEND system.

The strategy recognises the increasing demand for SEND services and the growing complexity of need, and sets out a whole-system approach to making sure children and young people get the right support at the right time.

Over the next three years, the strategy will focus on improving early intervention, strengthening support in mainstream schools and settings, ensuring specialist provision is available where needed, supporting smoother transitions into adulthood, and using data and partnership working to drive continuous improvement.

A key theme from engagement with families was the need for services to be easier to navigate, better joined up and more responsive to children and young people’s individual needs. These priorities are reflected throughout the strategy and will help shape delivery over the coming years.

Significant work is already underway to improve support for children and young people with SEND. This includes strengthening support in mainstream schools through enhanced SEND advisory services, expanded access to speech and language support and the development of Team Around the School approaches that bring services together more effectively.

There is also a renewed emphasis on early identification and intervention, backed by training and support for school staff so they can meet a wider range of needs within their settings. This work is being supported by a refreshed, more action-focused governance structure, with SNAP Parent Carer Forum and partners across education, health and care playing a central role in driving improvement, strengthening oversight and ensuring accountability across the SEND system.

These early steps are making a difference. They are helping needs to be identified earlier, improving the coordination of support for children and families, and increasing schools’ confidence in meeting a wider range of needs. As a result, schools and settings are increasingly able to respond more quickly, helping to prevent needs from escalating and supporting more children to stay in their local school with the right support in place.

Our executive Member for Children and Families, Councillor Gareth Mackey, said:

Every child and young person deserves the chance to thrive and achieve their potential. This refreshed SEND Strategy sets out our shared commitment with partners to improve support for children and families across Central Bedfordshire.

We know families want services that are easier to understand, better connected and more responsive. This strategy is about working together across education, health and care to provide earlier support, improve communication and strengthen accountability so that children and young people with SEND can get the help they need to achieve their aspirations.

Council approves new support services for vulnerable children and families

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:48:00 +0100

The proposals for new contracts, which will come into effect in April 2027 for three years, with an option to extend for a further two years, will ensure continued investment in specialist education, safety support and stable care placements when they need them.

One of the largest parts of the programme will focus on young people who cannot currently access mainstream education because of illness, exclusion or additional needs. Specialist providers will offer tailored education programmes designed to help children regain confidence in learning and, where possible, return to school.

These placements might include small group teaching, vocational learning such as construction or mechanics, outdoor learning programmes or one-to-one support for pupils with complex needs.

Demand for this type of support has grown significantly in recent years across the country. In Central Bedfordshire the number of specialist providers working with the Council has increased from 23 to 49 since 2023, helping ensure more young people can access suitable education.

Councillor Gareth Mackey, our Executive Member for Children and Families, said the plans were designed to ensure children and families could access the right help at the right time.

We want every child in Central Bedfordshire to have the opportunity to thrive, but we know that some families need extra support along the way. These plans are about making sure that help is there when it’s needed.

The plans will also strengthen domestic abuse support services across Bedfordshire, delivered in partnership with neighbouring councils and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Support available to families includes safety planning, specialist advice, advocacy, counselling and therapy, as well as practical help such as finding safe accommodation and rebuilding independent lives. Children affected by domestic abuse will also be able to access play therapy and specialist support.

Around £400,000 of government funding is provided each year to support these services locally, alongside additional investment from the Council.

Another key part of the plans focuses on children in care who cannot live at home. While most children are supported through fostering or family arrangements, some young people need the specialist care and support provided in residential children’s homes.

Central Bedfordshire currently has 22 young people living in residential care. The Council is working with other local authorities across the eastern region increase number of local foster carers and improve access to high-quality homes and reduce the number of children who have to move long distances away from their communities.

Cllr Mackey added:

Where children cannot live with their families, it’s vital they receive the care and stability they need. By working with other Councils, we can improve the availability of good quality placements and make sure young people are supported as close to home as possible.

Council launches consultation on proposed fees and charges increase

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:05:00 +0100

Residents, businesses and service users are being invited to have their say as Central Bedfordshire Council launches a six-week consultation on proposed changes to some of its fees and charges.

The consultation will open on Wednesday, 8 April 2026 and run for six weeks, closing at midnight on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, giving people the opportunity to review the proposals and provide feedback before any final decisions are made.

Like many councils across the country, the authority is facing significant financial pressures. Changes to government funding mean the council expects to receive £17 million less than required for 2026/27, while the cost of delivering services continues to rise.

Although fees and charges are typically increased annually in line with inflation, most recently by 3.8% in April 2026, wider cost pressures have grown at a faster rate. Over the past five years, increases in wages, National Insurance contributions, pensions and service delivery costs have outpaced inflation-linked fee rises.

During this period:

fees and charges have increased by 25.3%
the Consumer Price Index has risen by 27.9%
average wages have increased by 31.9%

To help address the funding gap and to help maintain and support vital local services, the council is proposing a further 6.2% increase to some fees and charges from July 2026.

The proposed changes cover a wide range of council services. Examples include charges related to:

adult social care services
highways licences and permits
planning services
private hire and Hackney Cab operators and vehicle licences
animal and other licensing – including gambling and food premises, street trading
environmental services including pest control
room hire

Residents are encouraged to review the full list of proposed changes and complete the online survey to share their views.

Councillor John Baker, our Executive Member for Finance, said:

We know that any increase in fees and charges is not something people welcome, and we do not take these decisions lightly. However, the government's funding reduction of £40m against our budget over three years represents a significant risk to the council, and we must ensure that the cost of providing council services is covered or make significant cuts to our budget.

The proposals cover a broad range of services that residents and businesses use, which is why it’s so important that everyone has the opportunity to comment before any decisions are finalised, and I would strongly encourage everyone to take part.

The consultation will close after six weeks, and all responses will be carefully considered before recommendations are brought forward.

To take part and find out more, visit our consultations page or pick up a paper copy at a Central Bedfordshire library.

Six new family hubs approved across Central Bedfordshire as plan agreed to give children the best start in life

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:59:00 +0100

This follows approval of a new plan focused on improving support from pregnancy through to starting school.

The Best Start in Life programme will focus on identifying needs earlier until 2029, supporting families sooner and making services easier to access, helping more children start school ready to learn and thrive.

Aligning with the upcoming national SEND reforms, services will be brought together through a network of family hubs, offering practical support for parents including health advice, parenting groups, childcare guidance and early learning activities for young children.

The first of the new hubs will be based in Dunstable, with further locations planned for Houghton Regis, Leighton Buzzard, Flitwick, the Shefford/Stotfold/Arlesey area and Sandy/Biggleswade.

Alongside these hubs, support sessions will continue to be delivered in more than 100 community locations such as libraries, schools and parks so families can access help close to home.

Around 18,900 children aged under five live in Central Bedfordshire, and the Council says strengthening support in these early years can make a lasting difference to children’s future health, education and wellbeing.

Currently, 68.2 per cent of children locally reach a good level of development by the end of the reception year group in schools (4 to 5 year olds), which is in line with the national average, though the DfE has set a target of 75 per cent by 2028. However, the figure drops to 43 per cent for children receiving free school meals, highlighting the need for more targeted early support.

Cllr Gareth Mackey, our Executive Member for Children and Families, said:

The early years are incredibly important in shaping a child’s health, confidence and learning. This plan is about making it easier for families to find the right help at the right time, whether that’s advice for new parents, support with childcare, or activities that help young children develop and prepare for school.

By bringing services together through family hubs and community sessions, we want parents to feel supported and confident, and to make sure every child in Central Bedfordshire has the best possible start in life.

The hubs will offer a range of support for families with children aged 0-5, including antenatal advice, health visiting services, baby and toddler groups, speech and language support and guidance on accessing early education and childcare. Parenting programmes and online tools will also be available to help families support children’s development at home.

The Best Start in Life plan, which will be published by the end April, will also build on existing early years support already delivered through children’s centres, health services and community organisations. These include evidence-based parenting programmes, advice on home learning and activities designed to help children develop language, social skills and confidence before starting school.

Highways plan to improve roads and enhance safety

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0100

The data-driven approach ensures that decisions are based on real-time assessments of road conditions, traffic patterns, and community needs. This approach allows us to allocate resources efficiently and swiftly respond to changes in demand or unexpected circumstances.

The 2026-2027 Capital Works Plan will focus on several important areas of infrastructure improvement, including:

carriageway and footway resurfacing: renewal of surfaces to address deterioration and improve performance, ensuring road surfaces can support current traffic loads and meet safety standards
flooding and drainage: upgrading drainage systems to ensure roads remain functional, especially during adverse weather
street lighting: enhancing visibility and safety through improved lighting
bridges and structures: conducting inspections and necessary enhancements to critical infrastructure
road safety: improving road layout, markings and signage, as well as increasing education initiatives
active travel and rights of way: improving and expanding walking and cycling routes to encourage sustainable and healthier travel options

Councillor John Baker, Executive Member for Finance and Highways, said:

We are pleased to have developed our Capital Plan for 2026/27 that reflects both our long-term vision and our commitment to data-driven decision-making. We will continue to manage reactive repairs using reports received through Fix My Street and officer inspections, addressing urgent repairs and smaller works as needed throughout the year.

View details of the Capital Programme

Fund launched to support Central Bedfordshire residents facing financial shock

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:28:00 +0100

Wider support is now available through Central Bedfordshire Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund for residents on a low income. From 1 April, residents experiencing a financial crisis or sudden financial shock can apply for support through the fund.

The fund provides short-term financial support to help with essential costs following a sudden change in circumstances, such as a loss of income, an unexpected bill or another emergency situation.

Central Bedfordshire Council has been allocated £2.7 million by the UK Government to provide this support up to April 2027. Initial support was introduced in March for low-income residents who use oil to heat their homes and who were affected by rising oil costs.

Residents can apply for a crisis payment, and each application is assessed individually against eligibility criteria.

Cllr John Baker, Executive Member for Finance, said:

Many households on lower incomes are already managing tight budgets, with little or no financial buffer. When a sudden financial shock occurs, it can quickly push people into a position where they are struggling to afford the basics.

The launch of the full Crisis and Resilience Fund is an important step in how we support residents facing that kind of pressure. We have already been able to move quickly to provide targeted support for households affected by rising heating oil costs, and this wider phase now allows us to support residents facing a broader range of financial challenges.

This support is targeted at those in the most urgent need, where people are at risk of not being able to afford essential items such as food, heating or other everyday costs. It’s designed to provide practical, short-term support at the point it is most needed, helping to prevent situations from escalating further.

Local Plan timetable updated in line with new government guidance

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:38:00 +0000

The update follows the publication of new regulations, which came into force on 25 March and requires all local authorities to adjust how Local Plans are prepared.

The Local Plan is the document that sets out how Central Bedfordshire should grow in the years ahead. It helps decide where new homes, jobs and infrastructure are needed, while also protecting the character of existing communities and the countryside. Having an up-to-date plan in place helps ensure future development is properly managed and supported by the right services and facilities.

We've carefully reviewed our existing timetable to ensure it complies with the new requirements. While the overall programme remains in place, some stages have been updated to reflect additional steps now required by government.

Importantly, this does not mean the Local Plan process is starting again. Work on the plan is already well underway, and significant progress has been made, including the development of a strong evidence base.

Despite these adjustments, we remain on track to adopt the Local Plan by December 2028.

We've also published our Notice of Commencement, which is formal notice of intention to commence plan-making, as required by the regulations.

Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, Adam Zerny said:

The Government has changed the legislation governing how Local Plans must be prepared, and the Council has updated its timetable accordingly. Good progress is being made on the Local Plan and we look forward to seeing it adopted for Central Bedfordshire. For residents, this means having a clear and up-to-date plan that helps make sure future growth is properly managed and supported by the homes, infrastructure and services our communities need.

Turning the page: £45,000 boost to bring more eBooks and eAudio to our libraries!

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:01:00 +0000

The investment will fund the purchase of around 800 new eBooks and eAudio, ensuring residents can enjoy access to a wide range of digital titles.

By investing in more eBooks and eAudio for our residents, the council is expanding access to reading for everyone - offering flexible, convenient, and inclusive options that support busy families, remote users, people with disabilities, and anyone who benefits from a wider choice of titles available anytime, anywhere. This supports other UKSPF funded programmes and has a role to play in helping residents build skills, support lifelong learning, and improve access to resources that boost education, employment opportunities, and overall economic participation.

Councillor Tracey Wye, Chair of the Partnership Group, said:

This injection of funds is much welcome and ensures that everyone in Central Bedfordshire whether they prefer reading or listening can access high‑quality digital books. eBooks and audio books are essential for residents who rely on adjustable text, larger fonts, screen readers or audio formats. By expanding our digital stock, we’re supporting equality, accessibility and personal choice for all library users. We’re proud to ensure our libraries remain inclusive, modern and responsive to the needs of our diverse communities.

The new eBooks and Audio will be added to the digital library catalogue over the coming months, giving library members an even wider selection of titles to enjoy at home or on the go.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is providing £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by September 2026. It is positioned as the UK replacement for the European Structural and Investment Programme.

Central Bedfordshire Council has been allocated £4.71M from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (formerly known as DHLUC) UKSPF programme which is being delivered alongside their £1.37M allocation from DEFRA’s Rural England Prosperity Fund.

The primary goal of the UKSPF is to build pride in place and increase life chances across the UK.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund - GOV.UK

Housing Matters - March 2026

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:56:00 +0000

Your voice matters: new pet policy

Tell us what you think about our proposed pet policy during our four-week consultation

We have launched a public consultation on our new pet policy and we are inviting all tenants, leaseholders and residents in council housing to take part.

Pets can bring huge benefits to our lives, and we know how important they are to many households. At the same time, we must make sure that pet ownership does not cause nuisance, safety concerns or damage to homes and shared spaces.

Our proposed policy sets out clear and fair expectations around keeping pets in council properties. It explains when you need to ask us before getting a pet and what we consider, which types of animals can be kept, the responsibilities of pet owners, and how assistance dogs and emotional support animals are considered.

We are asking for your input so we can make sure the final policy reflects the needs of our tenants and is fair for everyone. We are keen to hear from:

residents who already keep pets
people who are considering getting a pet
people who may be affected by pets in nearby properties
anyone with an assistance dog or emotional support animal

The consultation is open for four weeks, closing on Sunday 5 April 2026. Read the draft policy and complete the questionnaire on our website.

If you need the documents in an alternative format, please email consultations@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or call 0300 300 8000.

Working in your neighbourhood: Oakley Green

Read about our community clean up day

Behind every clean, safe and well-kept estate is our Neighbourhood Operations Team, who work year-round to maintain and improve our housing estates. In February, that work brought them to Oakley Green in Leighton Buzzard.

Working alongside contractors, the team spent the day tackling fly-tipping, clearing litter and removing bulky waste from around council homes. Several tenants had booked support in advance for removal of larger items, and these were cleared and safely disposed of as part of the clean-up. In total, the team removed 10.5 tonnes of waste from the area.

Central Bedfordshire’s Dog Warden also attended, helping to install new signage promoting responsible dog ownership. Simple actions like picking up after your dog help keep green spaces clean, safe and pleasant for everyone.

But clean-ups and signage are only part of what the team delivers. Throughout the year, the Neighbourhood Operations Team plan and deliver improvements across our estates. That includes maintaining shared spaces, upgrading facilities, installing new play areas, planting seasonal flowers and carrying out environmental works that make neighbourhoods safer and more welcoming.

In Oakley Green, this has included installing new bin stores with clear labelling to make waste disposal simpler and reduce incidents of fly-tipping, which had become a problem in the area.

All of this work is funded through the Housing Revenue Account, meaning tenants’ rent is reinvested directly into council homes and the neighbourhoods around them. The improvements you see on your estate are part of that investment.

If you live in Oakley Green, you might have seen the team out on the estate or had a conversation with members of the Tenant Involvement Team. They were on site throughout the day to listen to feedback, discuss local issues and talk about how residents can get involved.

Getting involved gives you a real voice in decisions about homes, estates and services. This is your housing service, funded through your rent, and tenant involvement plays an important role in shaping how it continues to improve. Want to have your say? Keep reading this issue of Housing Matters to find out how you can get involved, including details of upcoming pop-up events where you can meet members of the Housing Team.

Come along to our free tenant drop-in event

Meet members of our housing team

Tenants and leaseholders are warmly invited to a friendly drop-in event where you can meet members of the Housing Service team, share your thoughts and enjoy a chat over refreshments.

This relaxed session is a great opportunity to ask questions about your home or housing services, tell us what’s working well, and share ideas about how we can improve services in the future. Your feedback really helps shape the way we support our tenants and communities.

You can also enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee and some snacks while you talk with the team.

Join us at Leighton Buzzard Theatre, Lake Street, LU7 1RX on Wednesday 15 April 2026 from 1pm to 3pm.

There’s no need to book - just drop in at any time during the session. We’d love to see you there and hear your views.

What happens to your social housing tenancy if you pass away?

What your family needs to know about legal rights and next steps

It’s not something many of us want to think about, but planning for the end of life is an important part of making sure those close to you are protected.

If you have a social housing tenancy, it’s important to know what could happen to your home if you pass away. This helps the people you live with understand their rights and plan for what comes next.

Succession to tenancy can be complex so we recommend taking some time to read more about it:

Find out more about tenancy succession from Shelter

By law, there can only be one succession per tenancy. This applies to both sole and joint tenancies.

Joint tenants

If you have a joint tenancy and one joint tenant passes away, the tenancy will automatically pass to the remaining joint tenant. This is known as survivorship and counts as the one legal succession.

When the remaining joint tenant passes away, no one else living in the home will have the right to succeed to the tenancy. They will need to find their own accommodation.

We only offer joint tenancies to spouses or partners.

Sole tenants

If you have a sole tenancy and your spouse or partner lives with you, they can apply to take over the tenancy if you pass away. To qualify, they must have lived with you for the 12 months before your death.

If your tenancy started prior to April 2012, and you have no spouse or partner, qualifying family members can apply for succession of the property. Please check your tenancy agreement for details. They must be able to prove they have been living with you for the twelve months prior to your death, which is why it is important that you keep us up to date with who is living in your property.

If your tenancy started after April 2012 only spouses or partners will be able to apply to succeed to the tenancy. This is due to legal changes brought in by the Government in the 2011 Localism Act.

This means that if you have adult children living with you, they would not have the right to succeed to the tenancy. They would need to find their own accommodation. If they do not leave, we may need to take legal action to recover the property. However, we will try and work with non-successors and direct them to support in finding and securing their own accommodation, but it should not be assumed that they will qualify for social housing.

Succession to tenancy but not property (for family members only)

The right of succession is to the tenancy, not the property. Sometimes a family member may be eligible to succeed to the tenancy, but the property is not suitable for them – often because it is larger than they require.

In these cases, the family member will need to move to more suitable accommodation. Legally if they have not moved within a year of the tenant passing away, we may need to start court proceedings to end the tenancy. However, we will continue to work closely with anyone in this situation to support them in finding suitable alternative social housing.

We understand this is a sensitive subject, and we work carefully with both successors and non-successors during what can be a very difficult time. However, it is important that all tenants and household members understand the law so they are not faced with unexpected housing changes after losing someone close to them.

If you wish to ask any questions about successions, please contact neighbourhoodhousing@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

First look inside new homes at Meadowsweet Place

Viewings are starting soon at Meadowsweet Place, Flitwick

New homes at Meadowsweet Place in Red Kite Meadows, Flitwick are almost ready, and we’ll soon be welcoming future residents to view their new homes.

Viewings will begin shortly, with applicants currently being approved and homes being allocated. The first residents are expected to move in from the end of March and throughout April.

There has already been a lot of local interest in the development, and we are looking forward to meeting applicants and their families when they visit the show flat and see the completed apartments.

Meadowsweet Place, Flitwick

To arrange a viewing, please email:
accommodationservices@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

If you are interested in applying for a home, you can contact the Housing Demand Team on 0300 300 5080 or email housing.register@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

Apply for housing or the Housing Register on our website.

If you need any help with your application, please get in touch and we will be happy to support you.

Working together to improve the school run at St Vincent’s, Houghton Regis

Helping keep children safe and protecting green spaces near the school

If you have children who go to St Vincent’s Primary Academy, you may have seen that new fencing has been installed outside to protect a grass verge that had been badly damaged during the school run.

During busy drop-off and pick-up times, cars had been driving and parking on the grass, leaving deep ruts and churning up the ground. As well as looking untidy, this can make it less safe for children and families walking to school.

Our Estates Surveyor visited during the morning school run to see the situation first-hand, and a Community Safety officer also attended the following day. After speaking with residents and drivers, we worked with colleagues in Highways to find the best solution, and now our team has installed fencing along the verge to stop vehicles driving onto the grass while helping keep the area safer.

Highways colleagues are also planning to refresh faded signage and road markings outside the school, so they are much clearer for drivers during the busy school run. These will be added to the line marking programme for the next financial year.

Later this year we’ll be working with the headteacher and pupils to plant daffodils along the verge, helping to restore the space and brighten up the street for everyone.

Other opportunities to talk to us!

Upcoming events for our tenants - get involved!

We really value opportunities to keep in touch with our tenants, and our drop-in sessions are a simple way to do just that. They’re informal, welcoming sessions where you can speak directly with members of the housing team about anything on your mind.

If you’ve got a query about your home, would like some guidance, or simply want to check in with us, please feel free to come along. There’s no need to book - just drop by at a time that suits you and we’ll be happy to help.

We hope to see you at one of the upcoming sessions and look forward to catching up with you. Find a full list of dates and events on our website.

Tuesday 24 March from 11am to midday

Coffee meeting, All Saints View, Sapphire Place, Houghton Regis, LU6 5LG

Friday 27 March from 10am to midday

Housing Information Hub, Ground Floor Library Building, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1RX

Wednesday 1 April from 9am to 11am

Housing Information Hub, The Dunstable Centre, Dunstable, LU5 4JD

Tuesday 7 April from 11am to midday

Chatty Cafe at Tactic, 17 Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1EZ

Tuesday 14 April from 10:30am to 12:30pm

Housing Information Hub, Houghton Regis Library, Bedford Square, Houghton Regis, LU5 5ES

Tuesday 28 April from 9am to 11am

Housing Information Hub, Ground Floor Library Building, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1RX

Monday 11 May from 11:30am to 1:30pm

Housing Information Hub, The Dunstable Centre, Dunstable, LU5 4JD

Wednesday 20 May from 9am to 11am

Housing Information Hub, Houghton Regis Library, Bedford Square, Houghton Regis, LU5 5ES

Thursday 28 May from 3pm to 5pm

Housing Information Hub, Ground Floor Library Building, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1RX

100% compliance with Housing Ombudsman complaint response times

How we are responding to resident concerns and improving services

Effective complaint handling is a vital part of delivering a safe, responsive, and accountable housing service.

Complaints often relate to issues that directly affect people’s daily lives such as repairs, damp and mould or neighbourhood concerns. Handling these concerns well helps us to resolve problems quickly, maintain trust with residents, and continuously improve our services.

In social housing, complaint handling operates within strict regulatory expectations. The Housing Ombudsman sets clear standards for landlord complaint management and response times. Compared with other sectors such as retail or banking, where complaints can take several weeks or months to resolve the response times in social housing are deliberately short.

We achieved 100% compliance with Housing Ombudsman response times in February 2026 for all complaint stages. Against a backdrop of rising national complaint volumes, this reflects our firm commitment to fixing issues promptly and holding ourselves accountable to our residents.

Managing complaints well is not only about compliance with regulatory requirements it is about providing a fair, transparent, and responsive service to the people who live in our homes.

For more information on our complaint handling performance and the key learnings from complaints please visit our housing feedback webpage.

Share your views with us!

Help us continue to improve our housing service

We want to make sure you can contact us in the way that works best for you, and your views are essential to this process.

Take our short survey and tell us how you prefer to communicate. Whether you're happy with how things are now, or you think we could do better, we want to hear from you. Take part in the survey.

We’re always looking for ways to improve, but we can’t fix what we don’t know about. Your feedback helps us make things better for everyone.

Comments, compliments, complaints and service requests

Having your voice heard and providing your feedback is valuable to us. There are lots of ways that you can have your say about our housing service.

Comments

Often people want to suggest improvements to services. If you make a suggestion, we will record this as a comment.

Compliments

If you tell us about a service that has been good or a member of staff who has been helpful, we will record this as a compliment and share your praise with those involved.

Service requests

A service request is a request by you for us to take action to put something right. Service requests are not complaints, but we record them, monitor, and review them for learning and improvements. If we consider the issue raised to be a service request, we will ask the relevant team to reply to you directly.

Complaints

You can complain if you are affected by the way we provide services. Common examples of complaints are delay; poor record keeping; failure to act; failure to follow procedure or the law; poor communication; behaviour of our staff (also called officers); or giving out misleading information.

You can provide any of the above feedback by contacting Housing.Feedback@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or completing this online form.

Council creates over 1,000 new wraparound childcare places in Central Bedfordshire

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:28:00 +0000

Over the past 18 months, the Council has helped 12 schools set up brand‑new childcare clubs, supported 16 schools to offer longer opening hours, and worked with 17 schools to increase the number of places they can offer. As a result, 1,111 more children can take part in fun activities and spend time with friends outside normal school hours.

The National Wraparound Childcare Programme aims to support families by providing extended childcare services beyond regular school hours, with things like breakfast clubs or after school clubs running until 6pm.

Through the programme, the Department for Education (DfE) provides funding to local authorities to develop new, or expand existing, wraparound services. In 2024, Central Bedfordshire Council was selected as an ‘early adopter’ of the programme, and was one of 16 local authorities selected to co-design it.

Wraparound childcare is a paid provision, but households eligible for Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare can use the support to help pay for wraparound care.

With support from the Council and funding from the programme, Beecroft Academy in Dunstable has been able to extend the operating hours of its breakfast club, which now starts at 7:30am instead of 8am. Headteacher Sarah Hughes said:

We trialled the earlier start in the autumn term and it was so successful that we’ve kept it going. Parents had told us that an 8am start simply wasn’t early enough for those needing to get to work, so extending the hours has taken a lot of stress off families.

We welcome around 24 children each day, who can have breakfast without families worrying about the time to prepare it or the cost of providing it. Children begin the day in a much calmer way, as that extra time in the morning helps them settle, regulate and get ready for learning. The extended hours have made a huge difference to families, and we’re pleased to be able to offer it.

Cllr Gareth Mackey, our Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:

Wraparound childcare is vital in helping families manage work, education and home life. It helps parents and carers work the hours they need to, take on new job opportunities, or continue their own training or education, knowing their children are somewhere safe and well looked after.

Children also have the opportunity to play, try new activities, build their confidence and spend time with friends in a relaxed environment before and after school.

We’re proud to be working with schools and providers across Central Bedfordshire to expand the programme and create more places to support families and give children a positive start or end to their school day.

Support available for Central Bedfordshire residents struggling with heating oil costs

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:47:00 +0000

We've been allocated £2.7 million by the UK government to provide crisis support for households up to April 2027 through the new Crisis and Resilience Fund. £106,000 will support low-income households in the area who use oil to heat their homes.

The fund is designed to provide short-term support to residents who are experiencing a financial crisis or sudden financial shock. It can help with essential costs such as food, energy and utility bills, essential transport costs and basic household items.

The first phase of funding is now open, to support low-income households affected by rising heating oil costs. Wider support will be available from 1 April 2026.

Councillor John Baker, our Executive Member for Finance, said:

We know that the cost of living continues to put real pressure on households across Central Bedfordshire, and that those who rely on heating oil are particularly affected by sudden increases in costs. These rising prices could mean that some households are at risk of losing access to heating and hot water.

The new Crisis and Resilience Fund allows us to support those households most affected by increases in heating oil costs, while also forming part of a wider approach to supporting residents facing financial hardship. This is the first phase of support, with wider funding available from 1 April 2026 to provide broader support for residents experiencing a crisis or sudden financial shock.

Many households are dealing with multiple challenges at the same time, and for some, a sudden increase in costs can quickly become a crisis. This initial phase focuses on providing practical, short-term help with essential costs to make sure residents can maintain access to heating, food and other basic needs. Our priority is to support those facing the greatest financial pressure and ensure help is available when it is most urgently needed.

Find out more about the Crisis and Resilience Fund, including how to apply

Kerbside dry recycling collections to resume on Monday 23 March

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 17:17:00 +0000

Central Bedfordshire Council would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding during a brief suspension of dry recycling collections.

The suspension of dry recycling collections was due to a catastrophic fire at a waste transfer facility in Bletchley, which bulks and transports all dry recycling collected in Central Bedfordshire to a separate treatment facility.

As the waste transfer station was unavailable, the Council was forced to suspend the kerbside dry recycling collection service for 4 days.

Officers at the Council have been working hard with our contractors and partners to secure an alternative waste transfer site, minimising disruption.

Councillor Wye, our Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience, said:

I am extremely grateful to residents for their patience during this disruption, and I am delighted the Council has managed to identify and secure a new waste transfer facility so quickly.

The cause of this fire is not yet known and remains under investigation by the relevant fire authorities. However, batteries placed in household bins are a known and growing cause of fires at waste and recycling facilities across the country. We know this was the cause of the fire at the Elstow Waste Transfer Station, underlining the dangers of incorrect disposal.

That is why we will be writing to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and inviting them to the Council to discuss the risks posed by batteries in bins. We will also seek action from government to make recycling easier for everyone. Government must play its part in helping to prevent fires at recycling facilities.

Advice for households whose dry recycling bins were not collected between Tuesday 17 and Friday 20 March can be found on this dedicated page about the pause and resumption.

New Children and Young People’s Plan published for Central Bedfordshire

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 12:40:00 +0000

The plan outlines a shared approach to improving outcomes for children and young people, ensuring they have the best possible start in life and are supported as they grow up. It builds on the previous plan launched in 2022 and reflects feedback gathered from children and young people, families and partner organisations.

Children and young people played a key role in shaping the plan. Through engagement with schools, youth groups and community organisations, young people shared what matters most to them. This directly informed the seven themes at the heart of the plan, including health and wellbeing, feeling safe, learning and development, being listened to, preparing for the future, family support and protecting the environment.

The plan also sets out how the council will deliver this work by working closely with partner organisations, coordinating activity across council services, co-producing services with residents and service users, continuing to listen to children and young people, and learning from national initiatives and government programmes. It includes safe links to further information for young people who want to explore specific topics in more detail.

Councillor Gareth Mackey, our Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:

Children and young people across Central Bedfordshire told us what matters most to them, and their voices have played a vital role in shaping this plan and will continue to guide the work we do.

As Executive Member for Children’s Services, alongside Councillor Liz Childs as Deputy Executive Member, we will continue to champion the voice of the child as we take this work forward. By working with our partners and continuing to listen to young people’s views, we can focus on providing the right support at the right time, so that children, young people and families across Central Bedfordshire can lead happy, healthy and successful lives.

Colleagues recognised in national campaign

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:36:00 +0000

Caroline Melling, Rebecca Kearns, Marlika Anderson, Sarah Broderick, Sian Miljkovic, Andrew Connor and Michelle Ashwell have been highlighted as part of the Amazing Social Workers campaign run by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), which shines a spotlight on the dedication, compassion and expertise of social workers across the UK.

The campaign invites people to nominate social workers who have made a meaningful difference in the lives of children, young people, families and adults. The 7 Central Bedfordshire colleagues were recognised for the positive impact they make every day through their commitment to supporting local families.

Councillor Gareth Mackey, our Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:

World Social Work Day is a chance to recognise the dedication and compassion of everyone working with children and families across Central Bedfordshire.

Social work attracts people who genuinely care about making a difference and who support children and families through challenging moments. The kindness, patience and determination they bring to that work can have a lasting impact, helping families feel supported and enabling children to thrive.

We are proud to see 7 colleagues recognised through the Amazing Social Workers campaign, and their achievements reflect the care, commitment and professionalism shown every day by our wider children’s social care workforce.

Supporting children, young people and families relies on a broad team of practitioners, including social workers, family support professionals, early help colleagues, youth workers and many other staff who all play a vital role. We remain committed to supporting and developing our children’s social care workforce and ensuring children and families receive the right help at the right time.

Find out more about working for us in children's social work.

CQC rates Central Bedfordshire Council's adult social care provision as good

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:27:00 +0000

Residents across Central Bedfordshire are benefiting from high‑quality, person‑centred adult social care, according to a new Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment that praises the Council’s strong leadership, effective partnerships, and commitment to improving people’s lives.

The CQC carried out an inspection in November 2025 as part of its new framework for evaluating how well local authorities are delivering Care Act duties. Inspectors rated the Council 'good' after they examined how effectively people can access the support they need, how well services are led, and the quality of residents’ experiences throughout the care journey.

The assessment found that residents are supported by knowledgeable, caring staff who listen and place people’s voices at the heart of assessments and care planning. Residents also described feeling respected, involved in decisions, and well supported through timely and preventative services.

Councillor Mark Smith, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said:

I am pleased the assessment reflects the dedication of our teams and partners who work tirelessly to support residents to live independent, fulfilling lives.

We are proud to be recognised for our strengths and remain fully committed to continuous improvement, ensuring that every resident receives high‑quality, compassionate care.

Like all public services, we face challenges and there is always room for improvement. The CQC assessment has given us valuable feedback about where we provide a good service for adults in Central Bedfordshire and how we can continue to learn and improve.

I would like to express my thanks to the managers and staff across the service who have put in exceptional effort to achieve this rating.

Chris Badger, CQC’s Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care and Integrated Care, said:

Central Bedfordshire Council is delivering good access to adult social care services for most people in the area. We found strong leadership, effective partnerships, and a real commitment to improving people’s lives. This was reflected in what people told us about their experiences.

Central Bedfordshire should be proud of this good rating and the many positive findings in the report. We look forward to seeing how they build on this.

The assessment also identified that take‑up of direct payments is below the national average. Work is already underway to improve access to direct payments, including a focus on working with people who use our services to understand what support they need to make use of direct payments if they choose to.

The report highlighted that some of our voluntary and community sector partners would like greater involvement in our decision‑making processes. The Council is committed to strengthening these relationships to ensure partners are consistently included, valued and engaged in shaping services.

Cllr Smith added:

Adult social care represents the largest area of the Council’s expenditure. This significant investment reflects our commitment to supporting some of our most vulnerable residents and demonstrates that council tax is being used to deliver essential, valued services.

With the government cutting funding, an ageing population and a growing number of younger adults with increasingly complex needs, we face evolving challenges. In response, we are embracing innovative approaches to ensure we continue to meet these needs effectively and compassionately.

Central Bedfordshire delivers a wide range of adult social care services, including assessing people’s needs, connecting them with appropriate support, helping residents stay independent for longer, supporting people with additional needs into employment, and offering advice to those facing crisis.

To find out more about adult social care in Central Bedfordshire please visit our website.

Kerbside dry mixed recycling temporarily suspended in Central Bedfordshire following fire at Bletchley waste site

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:22:00 +0000

The dry mixed recycling collected from residents’ homes is normally taken to the site in Bletchley, where it is bulked before being transported on to a separate treatment facility. As the Waste Transfer Station is currently unavailable, this is disrupting the council’s kerbside dry recycling collection service.

The council is working closely with its contractor to put alternative Waste Transfer arrangements in place as a matter of urgency in order to minimise disruption.

Residents are being asked to continue putting their dry recycling bin out for collection as usual, as collections will recommence as soon as possible.

General waste, food waste and garden waste collections are continuing as normal and residents can continue to use bottle banks for glass recycling.

Household Waste Recycling Centres are also operating as normal. However, if possible, residents are asked to store bulky waste items at home rather than take them to Household Waste Recycling Centres while this disruption continues.

Councillor Wye, our Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience said:

We know residents will be concerned by this disruption and we are sorry for the inconvenience it will cause. Following the fire at the Waste Transfer Station in Bletchley, we are working urgently with our contractor to put alternative arrangements in place and restore kerbside dry mixed recycling collections as soon as possible.

We will keep residents updated through our website and social media channels as soon as more detail becomes available.

For more information please visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/bin-pause. Central Bedfordshire Council will also be sharing updates across their social media channels.

Mental Health Professionals honoured in World Social Work Day national campaign

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:03:00 +0000

As part of World Social Day on 17 March, Central Bedfordshire Council’s Emergency Duty Team (EDT) and Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs), will feature in the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) social media campaign throughout March.

Last year, Central Bedfordshire Council’s Emergency Duty Team, responded to around 10,000 referrals into the service for adults and children. The AMHPs within the service carried out over 800 emergency Mental Health Act Assessments across Bedfordshire.

The AMHPs are an integral part of the Emergency Duty Team, which is a tri-borough service hosted by Central Bedfordshire Council, and covers Luton and Bedford Borough Council. It is responsible for any reports or concerns related to children or adults. The service operates out of hours, 365 days of the year.

The EDT AMHPs were nominated to feature in BASW social media campaign for the amazing and significant work they do. The AMHPs manages some of the most complex and high-risk situations in mental health care. Operating during evenings, nights, and weekends, the team responds to urgent Mental Health Act assessments, often in unpredictable environments where risks to people and the public are significant. Their work demands rapid decision-making, safeguarding vulnerable people while balancing legal, ethical, and clinical considerations under pressure.

Natalie Oatham, Emergency Duty Team and Mental Health Service Manager Lead AMHP, said:

Every shift is different and can be challenging but so rewarding. What I like most about being an AMHP and what many of my colleagues like is the valuable and important work we do in people’s lives. We make decisions that have a real impact and protects both the public and people we support.

Many people don’t realise the role we play in keeping people safe and well. We get called to attend at critical points in people's lives and make decisions that are crucial in them getting better. It’s a privilege to be involved in their journeys and it is so wonderful to be acknowledged in this campaign to let people know more about the important work we do.

Cllr Mark Smith, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, said:

A huge congratulations to our EDT AMPHs team. This recognition is thoroughly deserved. They are the quiet heroes within our community, supporting people through some of the most serious mental health challenges. The volume of work they undertook last year alone reflects their dedication, and commitment to providing high‑quality care for the most vulnerable. They care, protect and stand beside those who need them the most, and that is why it is so fitting to celebrate them on World Social Work Day and shine a spotlight on the remarkable work they do.

The team were chosen to feature in BASW campaign because in the nomination form, an anonymous person, said:

The AMHPs consistently go above and beyond expectations. They collaborate seamlessly with emergency services, hospitals, and families to ensure timely responses that prevent harm and uphold human rights. Despite challenging circumstances, such as limited resources, heightened emotional distress, and time-critical decisions, they maintain professionalism, compassion, and resilience. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to quality care and their ability to adapt to any situation. Their dedication, expertise, and teamwork make them not only an asset to the service but the best example of what outstanding mental health practice looks like”.

Report concerns about the safety or welfare of a vulnerable adult or child – including mental health or safeguarding concerns.
More information on mental health support in Central Bedfordshire

£148,000 UKSPF Funding boosts road safety, accessibility and flood resilience

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:36:00 +0000

We have recently delivered a package of targeted highway improvements funded through £148,000 of government grants from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to keep roads safe, accessible and open during severe weather.

The investment has supported twelve high‑impact upgrades on high‑street routes, including kerb improvements, new bollards to prevent pavement parking, refreshed road markings and resurfaced footpaths to reduce slips and pooling. These measures are already making everyday trips safer for pedestrians, pram users, wheelchair users and mobility‑scooter users while supporting the vitality of local town centres.

At the same time, the council has rolled out new flood‑mitigation technology at known hotspots, including telemetry‑triggered warning signs, upgraded pumps and manual flood‑closure gates. These improvements provide earlier alerts, quicker response times, and better protection of key routes during heavy rainfall.

Cllr. Tracey Wye, Chair of the Partnership Group, said:

These small but important interventions are making our town centres safer and more accessible for all, while new smart flood‑management technology is helping to reduce disruption during severe weather. By investing in smart systems, upgraded pumps and clear flood‑closure measures, we’re ensuring residents and road users receive faster warnings, safer travel routes and a more resilient highway network.

Campton Subway, Upgrade of existing automated pump sites to provide real-time monitoring and fault communication

These works form part of a wider UKSPF Programme delivering infrastructure upgrades, business support, skills development and community engagement projects to strengthen local communities and economies. Together, these measures are designed to strengthen local economies, boost prosperity and improve quality of life for residents.

To find out more about UKSPF visit our page UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund.

Partnerships take centre stage at summit to shape the future of food fairness

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:46:00 +0000

Central Bedfordshire Council’s Public Health team has hosted its second Food Summit, in collaboration with UK-based charity Food Matters, bringing together partners to help define the next chapter of food fairness in the area.

The summit welcomed representatives from voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations, local producers, community groups and public sector partners. The event focused on strengthening partnership working to ensure all residents can access healthy, affordable and sustainable food.

Rising demand for food banks and support services in Central Bedfordshire, alongside the increased cost of living many residents are facing, means it is becoming harder for people to afford a healthy diet. This can have a significant impact on people’s health and wellbeing, highlighting the importance of partners working together to improve access to affordable, nutritious food.

The summit provided an opportunity for organisations from across Central Bedfordshire to share their experiences and discuss how they can continue working in partnership to support residents and improve access to healthy, affordable food.

Attendees also heard about the council’s Food Fairness Grant Scheme, which was created following the first Food Summit in 2024 to support local organisations to improve access to healthy, affordable food. Funded organisations shared their experiences, including:

Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (Beds RCC), which is delivering a project to connect neighbours and strengthen communities through food growing
Groundwork East, which is delivering projects that help residents improve their health and wellbeing through food growing, cooking and education
Open Doors Health Hub, which supports disadvantaged residents with fresh food, nutrition education and wellbeing activities
Biggleswade Community Gardens, which helps local people gain skills, confidence and access to fresh produce

Individuals and organisations were also encouraged to sign the area’s Food Fairness Pledge, demonstrating their commitment to building a fairer, more sustainable local food system.

Councillor Mark Smith, our Executive Member for Public Health, said:

We know some people are finding it harder to afford healthy food, and events like this are an important opportunity for organisations to connect. No single organisation can solve food poverty alone, but by working together with our voluntary sector, community groups, local producers and residents, we can make a lasting difference.

It was encouraging to hear from organisations about the difference their work is making locally. The ideas and experiences shared at the summit will help shape the next phase of our Food Fairness work and how we continue working with partners to support residents.

Insights gathered from the summit will contribute to a report and recommendations, helping to shape how Food Fairness work is delivered in Central Bedfordshire, including future priorities and investment.