£80m in 'exceptional financial support' for Bedford Council
The move comes as Bedfordshire prepares to become the home to the UK's first Universal Studios theme park
Bedford Borough Council is set to receive £80 million from the government as part of a scheme to help struggling local authorities.
The financial support, described as "significant," will come through the Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) package, aimed at stabilising the council's finances.
The funding includes £22 million for this financial year and an additional £58 million for next year, according to the government.
The move comes as Bedfordshire prepares to become the home to the UK's first Universal Studios theme park, due to open in 2031.
The Labour MP for Bedford and Kempston, Mohammad Yasin along with Alison McGovern, the minister for local government, advocated for the EFS funding, as Bedford Borough Council faces a multi-million pound financial shortfall.
Yasin emphasized the conditions attached to the support: "This support is not a blank cheque. It comes alongside the ongoing Best Value inspection and clear expectations that the council must improve governance, strengthen financial management, and deliver better value for residents."