6.2% hike to some fees and charges proposed by Central Beds Council
Central Beds Council is holding a six-week consultation on proposed changes to some of its fees and charges.
The council is proposing a further 6.2 per cent increase to some fees and charges from July 2026 – a move it says will help ensure services remain sustainable and continue to support our communities.
The proposals cover a wide range of services, including adult social care services, highways licences and permits, planning services, private hire and hackney carriage operator and vehicle licences, animal and other licensing, including gambling and food premises and street trading.
It also includes environmental services, including pest control, and room hire in libraries.
A council spokesperson said: “Like many councils, we are facing increasing financial pressures. Changes to government funding mean we expect to receive £17 million less than required for 2026/27, while the cost of delivering services continues to rise.
"Although we usually review fees and charges each year in line with inflation, most recently by 3.8 per cent in April 2026, wider cost pressures have increased more quickly. Over the past five years, rising wages, National Insurance contributions, pension costs and service delivery expenses have all added to the cost of running services.”
It states that during this time:
Fees and charges have increased by 25.3 per cent
The Consumer Price Index has risen by 27.9 per cent
Average wages have increased by 31.9 per cent
The consultation opened today (April 8) and runs until midnight on Wednesday, May 20, giving people time to review the proposals and share their views before any final decisions are made.
Find out more and take part in the online consultation here.