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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.

Help needed to show Bedfordians benefits of digital public services

As more health and council services move online, it is important that residents do not feel isolated if they don’t have the digital skills required, a meeting heard. Mark Harris, chief officer...

Bedford Borough Council moves closer to enforcing moving traffic offences

Bedford Borough Council is one step closer to enforcing moving traffic offences after its Executive endorsed the application to acquire the necessary powers yesterday (8 June). The portfolio holder for environment...

Pharmacy shortage in Bedford Borough claims Mayor

Bedford Borough has less than the national average of pharmacies, the mayor has claimed. Mayor Dave Hodgson made the claim during a debate on the council’s draft Pharmaceutical...

Bedford Borough patients to benefit from joined-up health and care services

Joined up health and care services is one of the benefits the new Integrated Care System for Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes will bring. That is according to a report...

Councillor describes government funding bids as a “crazy” way to plan for public services

Having to bid for funding is a “crazy” way to plan – according to a frustrated Bedford borough councillor. And councillor Kay Burley (Labour, Kempston Central & East Ward) said that...

Bedfordshire Police chief says care needed over taser plans for special constables

Bedfordshire’s senior police officer said he is not adverse to special constables carrying a Taser device, but it would need to be done in a way to make sure an appropriate return on that...

Bedfordshire Police are not “child minders” or a “taxi service” says PCC

Bedfordshire’s police and crime commissioner stands by his comment that he does not want police officers to provide a taxi service or to be “child-minding” when other services aren’t doing...

Great crested newts could scupper plans for 249 new homes in Harrowden

Plans for up to 249 new homes in Harrowden are in the pipeline and an application for a ‘screening opinion’ has been submitted to Bedford Borough Council. Before submitting a planning application...

Bedford Borough Council collected 97 per cent of Council Tax last year

Bedford Borough Council charges residents around £95 million in council tax a year and successfully collected just over 97 per cent last year. A report presented to the Budget..

Demands on Bedfordshire Police leading to longer 101 waiting times

Bedfordshire Police is making improvements to how it responds to non-emergency calls, but there are times when demand leads to longer waiting times, its chief constable said. Her Majesty’s...

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