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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.

Plans submitted for flats above former Waterstones shop

Plans have been submitted to transform the space above the former Waterstones in Bedford town centre into flats. Proposals have been submitted to Bedford Borough Council to change...

Council says it is being more proactive to fairly recover £6.6m of adult social care debt

Bedford Borough Council’s adult social care debt is £6.6 million pounds – but the council has been more proactive over the last year to ensure the money comes in. A report on...

Staff say Bedfordshire Police was a toxic environment but changes have been made

Bedfordshire Police was a “toxic” and “corrupt” working environment according to staff only two years ago, but staff now are “proud” to be part of the force, its chief constable has said. During...

Homelessness charity submits plans for new property after Clarendon Street night shelter closes

A homelessness charity has submitted plans to increase its provision in the Queen’s Park area of Bedford following the closure of its Clarendon Street night shelter. The King’s Arms Project (KAP)...

Bedford Borough health sector records zero COVID-19 cases over three days last week

There were no cases of Covid-19 reported in Bedford Borough’s health sector over three days last week. During a Covid update to yesterday’s Adult Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee...

Parents ‘priced out’ as community nursery fees sky-rocket

A community nursery provider’s decision to increase the minimum number of hours means adding fees that parents can’t afford, a councillor has claimed. Parents’ concerns about...

Developer submits plans for 500 new Sharnbrook homes

A planning application for up to 500 new homes in Sharnbrook has been submitted to Bedford Borough Council. The development, located east of the village at Hill Farm, Mill Road, will...

More to road maintenance than meets the eye, council meeting told

There’s more to road maintenance than just looking at its surface, a senior council officer explained to council members. A report on how repairs to the Bedford Borough’s...

Delay to Bedford ‘Health Hubs’ blasted by Mayor

Delays over health hubs in Bedford borough were blasted at a meeting this week. A report to the Rural Affairs Committee on Tuesday (17 May) said there had been minimal investment...

Council tell Bedford festival organisers to open phone line for noise complaints

A phone line to report excessive noise will be manned throughout the duration of a planned music festival in Bedford Priory Park, says the council. Bedford Borough Council’s licensing...

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