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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.

“It’s the government’s fault” says Labour councillor in anticipation of cuts to services

Any cuts to Bedford Borough Council’s services will be blamed on council members and not the government, a councillor has warned. Councillor Kay Burley (Labour, Kempston...

Discussing investment zone sites in Bedford the “grown up” thing to do says Mayor

Having discussions to learn more about investment zones is the “grown-up” thing to do, the Mayor of Bedford Borough has said. Mayor Dave Hodgson (Lid Dems) was responding to...

Vulnerable young man failed by those responsible for his care

A report into the death of a vulnerable young man found that he was failed by the organisations responsible for his care. And a cohesive, multi-disciplinary plan for his transition from...

PCC’S truancy pilot has “really impressive” outcomes

Bedfordshire police and crime commissioner’s truancy pilot has not targeted children with special educational needs and disabilities – and has had some “really impressive” outcomes...

Bedford communities rejecting Flu vaccine over use of pork gelatine

Some Bedford borough communities are rejecting the flu vaccination as it may contain pork gelatine, a meeting heard. Bedford Borough Council’s Health Overview...

Reduced Stagecoach timetable creating “issues” for elderly Bedfordians

The reduced timetable for the 41 bus service is causing issues for elderly Bedford borough residents seeking medical services, a councillor has said. Cllr James Weir (Conservative, Kempston Rural...

Electric buses branded “impractical” for Bedford Borough by councillor

Electric buses for Bedford borough are “impractical” and it is far better to encourage more people to use the current ones, a senior councillor has said. During a discussion on...

Solar Together scheme has ‘exceeded expections’

The Solar Together Bedfordshire scheme has “exceeded expectations” in Bedford borough, with nearly four times the expected installations planned. The Bedfordshire...

500 apartments, 96-bed care home and coffee shop planned for Ampthill Road site

A care home, drive-thru coffee shop and more than 500 apartments could be built in Bedford if plans are approved. A planning application has been submitted for the coffee shop...

Parish council submits rejection to solar farm planning application

A cross-local authority boundary planning application for a 50MW solar farm close to an existing facility has been submitted to Bedford Borough Council. The site is approximately...

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