Picture of Local Democracy Reporter

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.

Bedford school could close if two-tier move goes ahead

A school near Bedford could be forced to close if a move from three-tier to two-tier education goes ahead. The middle school in Stewartby would close in 2026 if the school system...

Bedford street loses parking spaces after loft conversion approved by planning inspectorate

A Bedford street is losing on-street parking spaces after the Planning Inspectorate’s decision to grant a retrospective planning application for a loft conversion. Bedford Borough Council...

20 new homes approved for Wootton

A planning application for 20 new homes in Wootton has been approved by Bedford Borough Council’s Planning Committee. Council planning officers recommended the application...

Stagsden solar farm plans approved despite concerns over loss of farmland

Plans for a large solar farm near Bedford have been approved, despite concerns over the loss of farmland. The developers said the 79.64ha development near Stagsden will have a maximum...

Adult services agencies questioned after young man dies

A report into the death of a young man in Bedford is set to ask how he was failed by adult services agencies in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire. Bedford Borough Council’s Executive...

King’s Arms Project proposes six homes for vulnerable people behind church

The King’s Arms Project has submitted a planning application to erect six new dwellings and a communal building on land at the rear of Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Avenue, Bedford...

Bedford taxi drivers should “bring their English up to the required standard” to retain licences

A report to Bedford Borough Council has advised that taxi drivers in the Borough should "bring their English up to the required standard", if they wish to retain their licence, saying the test of...

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner borrows £22 million to improve police buildings

Bedfordshire’s police and crime commissioner has undertaken “essential” long-term borrowing of £22 million to update police buildings. The most significant update has been the new £16...

Councillor opposes ‘Little Vegas’ plan for Bedford High Street

A new 24/7 adult gaming centre dubbed 'Little Vegas' could open on the corner of Bedford High Street and Mill Street if it gains a premises licence. But one councillor has said the town centre...

Bedfordshire Pension Fund may need to prove environmental impact

The Bedfordshire Pension Fund would need to publish an annual climate risk report if government proposals go ahead. The Pension Fund Committee heard on Tuesday (20 September) that...

Get the latest Bedford news first

Subscribe to our free daily email for our lead story each morning before we publish it anywhere else, plus the key Bedford Borough headlines from the last 24 hours – without having to log into social media.