In April this year, I wrote the following about the ‘Independent Alliance’ led Central Bedfordshire Council…
“…It is also particularly disappointing that the current leadership of the Council seems to resent being held accountable, or being subjected to the very scrutiny they were actually once rather effective at when in opposition…”.
Earlier this week, I believe these concerns were borne out in full as at a Council meeting this week, the Executive Member for Children’s Services refused to answer perfectly reasonable, urgent and serious questions put by a member of the public about school transport for SEND children and asked Council Officers not to comment.
Astonishingly, Adam Zerny, the Leader of the Council, dismissed the raising of these concerns as a “publicity stunt” while failing to give any sort of apology.
While they take full credit for any ‘good news’ story, when they have less welcome news to give, the current Leadership of the Council almost without fail blame “The Council”, as if it is a separate entity they are not a part of, or indeed the leaders of.
As was pointed out in the meeting, “Local authorities are led by elected members, with advice from Council Officers”, not the other way around.
Apart from the lack of accountability, I sense a profound lack of empathy and compassion from the current leadership.
Yesterday, we heard that the non-payment of invoices by the Council led to some school transport services being withdrawn. This is in sharp contrast to the Council Chief Executive’s claim that “the home to school transport team has done an excellent job.”
The leadership of the council needs to get a grip – and welcome scrutiny, not dismiss it. There is no sign yet of a much needed change in approach.
You can watch the relevant section of the meeting (under the first procedural matters item) here: https://centralbedfordshire.public-i.tv/…/webca…/1015252
Julian Vaughan
13th September 2025.
Further Reading
The political makeup of Central Bedfordshire Council: https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/29/councillors_executive_political_control_constitution_and_webcasting/1646/political_control_of_central_bedfordshire_council
The State of Independents – April 2025: https://julianvaughan.blog/2025/04/14/the-state-of-independents/
An open letter to CBC re Highways Budget – January 2025: https://julianvaughan.blog/2025/01/27/an-open-letter-to-cbc-re-highways-budget/
White Lines (Don’t Do It) feat. Central Beds Council: https://julianvaughan.blog/2024/03/27/white-lines-dont-do-it-feat-central-beds-council/
Julian Vaughan 