Our Vision

SCS Consultation Draft

SCS Consultation Report

Final Strategy

We are pleased to present our Sustainable Community Strategy for the new unitary Borough of Bedford.

We believe that Bedford Borough should be a place of opportunity where everybody can fully realise their potential and influence the decisions that affect their daily lives. People should feel connected with the Borough and proud to celebrate its rich natural and built environment, diversity and history. We want to improve the quality of life of present and future generations and ensure that those who live and work in the Borough are supported to lead healthy and fulfilled lives. To do this, we need to tackle the real and pressing issues facing the Borough – around jobs; employment; housing; crime; skills and education – and adapt to the pressures and demands of a growing and ageing population.

We are aware of the burden our way of life places on the planet on which we depend. We know the consequences of already unavoidable climate change are increasing stress on resources and environmental systems. Therefore, we believe that the future of Bedford Borough must be founded on sustainable principles. We will ensure that our actions and delivery follow these key principles:

• sustainable consumption and production
• reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy efficiency
• natural resource protection and environmental enhancement
• sustainable communities [see http://www.inspire-east.org.uk/sustainablecommunitiessessions.aspx]

We are committed to delivering this vision and will lead by example, but we cannot make this happen on our own. We hope that all partners, stakeholders, citizens and communities will take responsibility, demonstrate commitment and make practical contributions to help realise our vision for Bedford Borough.