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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.

Four local charitable and voluntary organisations to receive share of £47,000 grants

Four Bedford Borough charitable and voluntary organisations are to share £47,000 in grants. The Trustees of the House of Industry Estate Management Committee rapidly approved...

PCC’s ‘zero-tolerance’ on school absences angers Bedford parents

A social media post by Bedfordshire’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) has received an angry response from parents. Following a school visit the PCC, Festus Akinbusoye...

Petrol and diesel taxis banned from Ampthill Road bus lane

Banning petrol and diesel private hire vehicles from a bus lane won’t increase congestion or pollution, claims a Bedford council officer. The scheme to allow only ultra low emission...

Mayor of Bedford’s Charity announces donations to three local charities

Charities helping Bedford people in need are set to receive a cash boost from the Mayor of Bedford’s Charity. £500 each has been awarded to Bedford Open Door, Foodbank Bedford, and...

‘Bedford Green Wheel’ traffic-free cycle routes planned subject to government funding

Bedford Borough Council is investigating possible routes to improve the Bedford Green Wheel – subject to government funding. The Bedford Green Wheel is a network of traffic-free...

To attract more bees to your garden “plant more blue flowers” says local Tory councillor

If you want to encourage more bees and butterflies to your garden, then you should grow more blue flowers. This was a gardening tip from Bedford Borough councillor Graeme Coombes...

East West Rail communication branded ‘abysmal’ and ‘disgraceful’ by Bedford councillors

The way East West Rail Company has communicated and delayed decisions is “abysmal” and “disgraceful” according to Bedford Borough councillors. At last week's Executive Meeting...

Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group to be replaced next month

The Integrated Care Board (ICB) is a new statutory NHS organisation that will replace the CCG on July 1, 2022. It will be responsible for delivering the integrated health and...

Council double down on their opposition of East West Rail six-track proposal

A senior councillor said that Bedford Borough will continue to oppose East West Rail Company’s (EWR) six-track proposal. LibDem councillor Michael Headley, the portfolio holder for...

Bedfordians must talk more about what they want to happen when they die

Not being willing to discuss death leads to people spending their final moments away from where they wanted to, a meeting heard. A report presented to the Health & Wellbeing Board last week...

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