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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.

Council moves online planning form ‘behind-the-scenes’ following misuse

An online form on Bedford Borough Council’s website allowed members of the public to make ‘spurious’ requests to ‘call-in’ planning applications, a meeting heard...

“Smaller shops and plenty of events” is the vision for the future of Bedford town centre

Bedford’s future will be about smaller shops and plenty of events, the town’s mayor has said. On Thursday (17 November) the Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview...

Council and landlords collaborating to develop a plan for former Beales and Debenhams sites

Bedford Borough Council is working with site owners to develop a plan for the vacant former Beales and Debenhams buildings in Bedford that will bring smaller units and homes to the...

Government legislation and camera shortages delay enforcement of ‘moving traffic violations’

Bedford Borough Council’s plans to enforce moving traffic violations have been delayed while it waits for clarification on government legislation. In June the council was granted...

New Labour candidates call for a council that listens to Bedford people

Two new Labour candidates chosen to run for in next year's council elections in Bedford have said Bedfordians want a council to "listen to them and give the town the services it needs." Zara Layne...

Council to introduce new energy efficiency programme for homeowners and renters

Bedford Borough Council is working to introduce another energy efficiency programme to help residents reduce their energy costs. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO)...

Council in rush to allocate government energy efficiency funding

Bedford Borough Council is rushing to allocate government funding to help make residents’ homes more energy efficient this winter. Sustainable Warmth is a government grant...

Council staff urged to leave their cars at home and use electric pool vehicles

Bedford Borough Council is encouraging its staff to leave their cars at home and go electric when travelling around the county on council business. On Monday (14 November)...

Unions say teachers’ pay rise will have “devastating effect” on schools’ budgets

The teachers’ pay award is not enough, not funded, and will have a “devastating” effect on borough schools’ budgets, a meeting heard. The 2022 School Teachers Pay and...

Police misogyny: “We need to be open and accept there are problems”

Bedfordshire’s police and crime commissioner has said policing needs to be more open and accept that it still has problems to deal with. One of the findings in a report published...

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