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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.

Bedfordshire Police don’t have time for ‘woke policing’ says PCC

Bedfordshire’s police officers don’t have the time to monitor social media in case someone’s feelings get hurt, the county’s PCC said. In September, Home Secretary, Suella Braverman told police chiefs...

24 electric vehicles ordered to reduce council’s carbon emissions

Bedford Borough Council has ordered 24 electric vehicles to reduce its carbon emissions as it strives to be carbon neutral by 2030. A report due to be presented to the council’s Climate Change Committee...

Bedfordshire PCC won’t rule out council tax increase for “underfunded” police force

Another council tax increase to pay towards policing in Bedfordshire is still on the table, but the government needs to play its part to fund the local force, the police and crime...

Borough council challenged over £600,000 spend on hotel accommodation for homeless

Around £600,000 a year is being spent putting homeless people in temporary hotel accommodation despite the council having no statutory duty to do so, a councillor has claimed. Bedford Borough...

Council housing committee questioned over “hundreds” of homeless children in Bedford

Bedford borough is seeing a “high demand” for accommodation from homeless families, but more council-owned ‘family friendly’ homes will soon become available, a meeting heard. During the Housing Committee’s...

Bedfordshire councils joining together to look at future demand for school places

Two neighbouring Bedfordshire local authorities hope a joint approach will reap benefits as part of educational changes locally to cater for hundreds more pupils. Bedford Borough Council and...

Council defends switch to LED streetlights after criticism of their environmental impact

An academic has claimed Bedford Borough Council doesn’t appear to be in “possession of all the facts” about LED streetlights’ impact on the environment. Councils, such as...

Marston Vale School site must be used for ‘educational purposes’ following proposed changes

Stewartby’s Marston Vale School site “must be used for educational purposes for the village of Stewartby” if it closes following proposed school changes, a meeting heard. A non-statutory...

Local councils prepare for ‘unlikely’ blackouts this winter

Bedfordshire councils are updating their resilience and emergency plans to make sure residents are supported if ‘unlikely’ three-hour blackouts take place this winter...

£37million needed to meet area’s rising demand for mental health services

A health organisation intends exploring every funding source available to proceed with its shake-up of mental health services in Bedfordshire. New investment of around £37m is planned...

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