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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.

New integrated health authority for Bedfordshire and MK launched today

A new health authority covering Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes has been formally created today (Friday 1 July). The NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated...

Planning application for Souldrop ‘doggy daycare’ centre

Dogs could soon be able to mutt their stuff, paw-ty like a dog-star or just put their paws up at a new doggy daycare centre in Souldrop – if planning is approved. The application...

Box End Park submits planning application to extend number of caravan pitches

A leisure park just outside Bedford has submitted a planning application to extend its existing campsite from 12 to 56 caravan pitches –  plus utility block and arrivals lodge. Box End Park...

Luton Borough Council and SEMLEP set to deliver report on missing Mark Rutherford £1.2m

A final report over an ongoing investigation about what happened to more than £1m of regeneration money which went missing in Luton Borough Council’s coffers has been prepared...

Bedfordshire Pension Fund committee says ‘no’ to divesting away from fossil fuel

The quick answer to the question will the Bedfordshire Pension Fund divest away from fossil fuels is “no”. Retired Leighton Buzzard resident, Christine Sheppard, who was...

Police and Crime Commissioner defends his school absenteeism programme

Bedfordshire’s police and crime commissioner, Festus Akinbusoye, has again defended his programme to introduce a “more standardised approach” to school absenteeism. The PCC...

Council considers traveller site planning application in Keysoe

Bedford Borough Council has received a retrospective planning permission application to site six caravans on land in Keysoe, Bedford. The application seeks consent for four caravans...

Council to ask Bedfordians if they think taxi fares should increase

Should taxi fares be increased to help drivers cope with the cost of living crisis? This is the question Bedford borough residents are set to be asked after Bedford’s Hackney Carriage Association (BHCA)...

Covid still impacting housing provision across Bedford Borough

The lack of available tradespeople and the rising cost of materials are delaying property owners from trying to bring empty homes in the borough back into use. Tracey Barrett, team leader...

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