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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.

Councillors voice objection to six-track East West rail option through Bedford

Labour councillors have again voiced their objections to the six-track option put forward by the East West Rail Company. Bedford Borough Council’s Executive heard last week (Wednesday...

Mental health inpatient service in Bedford could be outsourced, meeting heard

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

Bedford Borough SEND provision now “something to be really proud of” says councillor

The SEND offer for Bedford borough has gone from a “disjointed” approach to an example of what can be achieved, a meeting heard. A report on the Bedford Borough Joint SEND Strategy...

Surplus council tax to be carried over to next year’s Borough Council budget

An estimated surplus of £1.2 million in council tax will be carried over to Bedford Borough Council’s budget for next year. On Wednesday (4 January), the council’s executive was...

Housing target for Bedford Borough could increase

Bedford Borough Council’s Local Plan 2040 is about how the council can best meet the government’s growth targets – but Government debates could see the housing target change. Bedford mayor...

Planning application submitted for new footbridge in Biddenham

A planning application for a footbridge in Biddenham has been resubmitted after the previous permission expired. The proposal is for a pedestrian and cycle bridge to...

Planning application to demolish detached house and build block of flats in Kempston

Developers are hoping to replace a detached Kempston home with a block of one and two-bed apartments. A planning application has been submitted to Bedford Borough...

McDonald’s drive-thru approved again despite High Court challenge

A McDonald’s drive-thru has been approved for Bedford, for the second time. Bedford Borough Council’s planning committee granted permission for the McDonald’s drive-thru at...

Willington hand car wash planning application resubmitted following refusal

A planning application for a hand car wash at a site near Bedford has been resubmitted following a refusal in May. Noise concerns were... among the reasons given for refusal...

New Chief Constable says Bedfordshire Police is like a “big family”

Bedfordshire’s new chief constable said he became a police officer because he fancied doing something “more exciting” than mainstream employment. Trevor Rodenhurst...

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