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Local Democracy Reporter

Written by the BBC's Local Democracy Reporter named at the end of the article.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service was created to help strengthen coverage of local public bodies and ensure communities have access to trusted, independent reporting on decisions made in their name.

Funded by the BBC and delivered in partnership with local news organisations, the scheme supports dedicated journalists to report on councils, public services and other democratic institutions. Their work helps residents better understand how decisions are made, how public money is spent and how those decisions affect everyday life.

For the Bedford Independent, the Local Democracy Reporting Service plays an important role in maintaining regular, detailed coverage of Bedford Borough Council and other local public bodies, supporting our wider commitment to public-interest journalism, transparency and accountability.

Devolution deal in deadlock as Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes miss deadline

No agreement has been reached yet about a devolution deal for Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes (BLMK), after a government deadline passed earlier this week... Divided opinions about the best arrangements for a strategic mayoral authority for the region have left uncertainty surrounding a potential £186m annual pledge from central government.

House of Lords committee warns major barriers threaten Tempsford new town

Barriers remain to building the next generation of new towns, including one at Tempsford, according to a new report. But measures can ensure the programme is delivered...

Podington farm padel courts approved after councillors overturn officer refusal

Around 30 participants from Podington attended a meeting at Borough Hall in Bedford to support their popular activity. Applicant Bromborough Estate was seeking part-retrospective...

Passionate Podington Padel players protest to protect popular place to play

Padel players plan to promote their popular sport by taking a bus to protest at a council meeting this evening, arguing for expanded facilities in a north Bedfordshire village...

Plea to save Bedfordshire roads as Central Bedfordshire Council asks for £30m

A passionate plea for £30m has been made to the government to prevent roads in Central Bedfordshire from crumbling further and “to catch up on years of highways underinvestment”...

Central Bedfordshire children crossing the road “run the gauntlet” on the way to school

Children and their parents “run the gauntlet of traffic volumes and unpredictable motorists” when crossing Hitchin Road in Upper Caldecote to attend school, a meeting heard...

Government to wipe 90% of Central Bedfordshire’s £40m SEND deficit

Central Bedfordshire Council is set to have 90% of its £40m high needs deficit written off after the government approved its SEND reform plan, freeing up millions for frontline services...

Central Bedfordshire councillors slam “anti-democratic” planning legislation changes

Changes to planning legislation will impose “a worse deal on development for Central Bedfordshire residents with more housing and less infrastructure”, a meeting heard...

Bromham housing project described as “historical vandalism” gets approval

A housing project described by local councillors as “historical vandalism” and “failing the residents of Bromham … past, present and future” has been approved by one vote...

93-home Bromham plan faces backlash over countryside loss and rail impacts

Plans for up to 93 homes in Bromham would occupy land wanted for a railway linking Bedford and the Universal Studios theme park to Northampton and further afield, says a transport group...

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