Author Archives: Dave Hodgson

Mayor Dave Hodgson writes: How Bedford is responding to the crisis

By Dave Hodgson | Fri 17th April 2020 - 11:18 am

Over the Easter bank holiday weekend, Bedford Borough Council’s Community Hub delivered its 1,000th food parcel as part of its support to vulnerable residents during the COVID-19 restrictions. The hub was set up in double quick time and other major changes have also been implemented rapidly – in our case almost 1,000 members of staff working from home.

Very early on we identified that the biggest risks were in social care, particularly adult social care. Several weeks ago we went out to recruit more staff for both Council and non-Council providers, which has been very successful, but PPE for carers remains a major concern.

Within 10 days we transferred £10m in business grants to business bank accounts. We acted quickly to support those least able to pay their council tax. Residents on the lowest income already do not pay any Council Tax due to our Council Tax Reduction Scheme. We are automatically applying the reduction in line with the government’s COVID-19 Council Tax Hardship Fund to those already receiving some support and are encouraging those whose circumstances have changed to apply for Council Tax Support and Free School Meals.