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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.

Tidy Tip booking system did not cause spike in fly-tipping, says Council

Bedford Borough Council says an increase in fly-tipping was not caused by a booking system introduced at a tidy tip. The Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) on...

58% increase in CCTV cameras in Bedford since 2019

Bedford Borough Council said it has increased CCTV to help residents to “feel safe in their communities” and it has the funding for even more. Research from ironmongery supplier...

New political party announces Mid Bedfordshire candidate

A new political party has its sights set on Mid Bedfordshire at the next general election. Alan Victor was announced as the True & Fair Party candidate for Mid Bedfordshire this...

Ombudsman upholds three adult social care complaints against Borough Council

Fourty-four complaints and enquiries about Bedford Borough Council, were received by the Local Government Social Care Ombudsman last year,  councillors heard. The council’s...

Independent candidate says he’s “ready to fight” for Mid Bedfordshire in next general election

A Flitwick councillor said he is “ready to fight” for Mid Bedfordshire at the next general election, whenever the government is ready to call it. Gareth Mackey, an Independent councillor...

Rise in inflation hits Adult Social Care as Council forced to increase fees

A legal duty to recover costs has meant that Bedford Borough Council has had to increase its fees and charges for Adult Social Care from January. A report presented to...

Consultation that could see a Bedford school close to start this month

A six-week consultation on changes to the schools in the Wootton/Stewartby cluster has been agreed by councillors. The non-statutory consultation on the proposed changes to...

Planning permission granted for new special educational needs school in Kempston

A new 200-place special educational needs school is to be built in Kempston after planning permission was granted this week. The school will be built on land at the town’s...

Mayor admits new regional economic partnership details are vague but remains optimistic

The “glass half full” mayor of Bedford believes it is worth sticking in a regional economic partnership as “there will be a prize at the end”. At the council’s full meeting on Wednesday...

Bedfordshire Pension Fund members reassured over market fluctuations

Bedfordshire Pension Fund members should have “no concerns” on the scheme’s short or long-term future as it has a “well-diversified portfolio of assets” to manage volatility...

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