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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.

Labour selects Sudesh Rani as candidate for new Greyfriars Ward

Labour’s candidate for the new Greyfriars Ward says she is running to give residents a real say in Bedford’s future. Sudesh Rani has... been selected by the Bedford...

Threat of ‘outsourcing’ for mental health inpatient facility in Bedford

Mental health rehabilitation service Cedar House at Bedford Health Village could be subcontracted to a voluntary sector provider. A report presented to the Health...

“Failure” of sluice gates raises flood threat in Turvey

Up to its Full Meeting on Wednesday (January 11) Bedford Borough Council had published three local flood warnings on its Facebook page. Bedford mayor, Dave Hodgson...

Council members should care more about education than allowances says councillor

A councillor told fellow members that she wished there was the same level of debate on children’s education as there was on ensuring that councillors’ allowances are frozen. Cllr Phillippa...

Health services across Bedford to “stagnate” as support for GP expansion withdrawn

A stagnation of health facilities in the borough will not be helped by a proposal to remove support for GP surgery expansion, a meeting heard. During Bedford Borough Council’s Full Meeting...

Local health bosses say it’s a “tragedy” they had to turn down trainee GPs

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes health bosses had to turn down the opportunity to train eight GPs due to a lack of space. But there isn’t enough funding to provide...

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service taking on board recommendations after death of firefighter

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) is using a “disturbing” review of the London Fire Brigade to continue to improve, a meeting heard. Chief fire officer, Andrew Hopkinson...

Bedford Borough Council “much better” at safeguarding children

Bedford Borough Council and its safeguarding partners are “much better” at identifying when a child is at risk of being exploited, a senior council officer has said. Martin Purbrick, director...

Bedford Borough key stage results below national average at every level

Bedford Borough has been below the national average in key educational measures for “some time”, a meeting heard. On Monday (9 January), the Children’s Services Overview...

Potential Starbucks drive-through coming to Kempston

A planning application for a new coffee drive-thru outlet in Kempston has been submitted to Bedford Borough Council. The application site is located to the south of The...

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