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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.

Councillor in charge of Bedford Borough finances calls Government budget calculator “flawed”

The government’s chosen measurement for announcing councils’ spending power is “flawed”, a senior councillor has said. Core spending power is the way the government publicised...

Concerns of flooding in Turvey as river sluice gates still not working

A river bank failure saved Turvey properties from flooding after sluice gates failed to operate correctly. Bedford Borough Council’s flood team, councillors and Turvey residents met with...

Planning approval granted to eight hectare solar farm in Clapham

A planning application for an eight hectares solar farm in Clapham has been approved by councillors. The planning application for the site on land north of College Farm...

Rope Walk Starbucks approved despite councillors’ objections

Plans for a Starbucks drive-thru in Bedford have been approved despite councillors’ objections. And despite acknowledging that none of the committee members were...

Almost 500 children currently in temporary accommodation in Bedford Borough

There are nearly 500 children in temporary accommodation including eight staying in hotels, a senior Bedford Borough Council officer has said. The council’s chief officer...

Refugee families from Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine welcomed to Bedford Borough since 2016

Bedford Borough Council has taken part in various schemes to resettle refugees in the borough, a meeting heard. A report presented to the Housing Committee...

Council confirms Wixams station is priority of its rail strategy plans

A new train station at Wixams is one of four priorities set out by the Bedford Rail Strategy, and its planning application is “going well”. Jon Shortland, chief officer for planning...

Council says their Local Plan 2040 will create more affordable and accessible housing

If adopted, Bedford Borough Council’s Local Plan 2040 will help the council to ensure more affordable and accessible housing is built, a meeting heard. The question from a member of the public...

Council tax set to rise for Band D properties but decision on others still to come

Bedford Borough Council has published a proposed council tax rise of nearly £49 for Band D households, but others will have to wait to be given a figure. Next week, the council’s Executive...

A “bit of a wait” but everyone working to prevent ‘bed blocking’ says adult services director

There is sometimes "a bit of a wait" to safely discharge medically fit people who need additional support from Bedford Hospital – despite there being enough capacity in the borough. Committee chair, Cllr Roger Rigby...

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