Mayor reduces responsibilities
After just one year with the Conservatives in power, the Mayor has already decided to halve the number of his official responsibilities. In the published Agenda for Full Council on 15th May, the Mayor is listed as being in charge of eight areas, as opposed to thirteen in the Agenda in 2023.
He has shed his responsibilities on Business Rates Reliefs, Economic Development, Partnerships, Procurement, Planning Policy, Voluntary Organisations, Internal Audit and Property/ Asset Management. He has taken on Inward Investment, Human Resources and Emergency Planning (including Flooding).
Liberal Democrat Group Leader, Cllr Henry Vann said, “This is a backward step for the first citizen of the Borough. It is particularly concerning that he has dropped responsibility for Economic Development – something that Dave Hodgson made a top personal priority to see local businesses grow and create jobs for local residents. I think voluntary organisations will also be disappointed to see that he has dropped them from his role.”
“This change just sends the wrong message. When others are working round the clock to deliver for Bedford Borough, the Mayor is taking his foot off the gas. The Mayor should be primarily concerned about delivering for Bedford residents, not about lightening his workload.”
Coverage: Conservatives defend reduction of mayor's responsibilities - Bedford Independent