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.

Delayed Bedford Borough Council audit “disappointing”

The publication of Bedford Borough Council’s audited final statement of accounts has been delayed by the auditors’ staffing issues, a meeting heard. Julie McCabe, the interim...

Cathrine Ward selected as Labour Party candidate in Goldington ward

A Labour candidate for Bedford’s Goldington Ward says she has the experience to get meaningful changes made to improve the area. Cathrine Ward has been selected by the...

Police enforcement needed otherwise speed cameras are “useless”

Average speed cameras are “useless” if police enforcement isn’t there, a councillor has said. Bedford Borough councillors... heard at Wednesday’s full council meeting (30 November)...

Councillors share residents’ concerns over pollution in Borough’s waterways

Borough residents are worried about the pollution that’s regularly going in the country’s waterways, a councillor has said. During the council’s Full Meeting on Wednesday...

Mayor urges Warm Space providers to join network to help spread the word

Bedford's mayor has called for all those offering warm spaces this winter to let the council know so it can help promote them... During November’s full council meeting (Wednesday...

Bedford Women’s Centre secures future with county-wide partnership

A charity that has supported 300 women in the past year and was facing financial struggles is to become part of a county-wide partnership. Bedford Women’s Centre is to become...

Councillors refute favouritism in ‘split site’ school funding row

Funding is applied fairly across all Bedford Borough schools, and the council would not favour one school over another for any reason, a senior councillor has said. The Bedford Schools...

Developers’ levy could fund average speed cameras, cycling infrastructure or parking

New average speed cameras could be installed in Bedford thanks to a levy placed on developers. A report presented to Bedford Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy...

More spending on schools needed to accommodate increasing number of pupils

Without additional spending on schools, Bedford Borough will soon run out of school places, a senior councillor has said. The council’s portfolio holder for education and children’s services, councillor James Valentine (Labour, Kempston West) told the council’s executive committee