Bedford
County town of Bedfordshire and main urban centre of Bedford borough.
In 2026, Bedford was Bedfordshire's county town and the main urban centre of a borough also covering Kempston and 43 rural villages.
Last refreshed: 22 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
How much control could commissioners take over Bedford's council?
Timeline for Bedford
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UK Local Elections 2026Bedford council set to get commissioners
UK Local Elections 2026Background
Bedford is the county town of Bedfordshire and the main urban centre of the Borough of Bedford. The borough received Charter status in 1166 and covers about 120,000 acres. It includes Bedford, the urban area of Kempston and 43 rural villages. The River Great Ouse flows through the town.
Council statistics put the borough's mid-2025 population at 196,398, up from 185,300 in the 2021 Census. Bedford Borough Council is one of 16 English councils with a directly elected mayor, who holds decision-making powers beyond those of a ceremonial mayor. The council expects about 27,000 new homes by 2040. Those figures describe the full borough, whose urban centre comprises Bedford and Kempston, rather than Bedford town alone.
Why might Bedford council get commissioners?
What places are in Bedford borough?
Where is Bedford?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.