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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.

Go-ahead given for garage despite claims it overhangs neighbour’s property

Retrospective planning permission for a detached double garage in Odell has been granted despite a claim that part of the development was overhanging a neighbour’s property. The plans...

Planning application submitted for 20 new homes in Wootton

An outline planning application for 20 new homes in Wootton has been submitted to Bedford Borough Council. The application from Rainier Developments is to develop land to...

Kempston councillor elected as speaker for Bedford Borough Council

Councillor Mohammed Nawaz (Kempston Central & East, Labour) has been elected unopposed as the new speaker of Bedford Borough Council yesterday (2 May). His duties for the new municipal...

Bedford Borough aiming to top county rivals in number of solar panel installations

Competitive Bedford Borough Council is aiming to have more residents sign up to a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage than its Bedfordshire partners...

Divesting pension funds from fossil fuels could only ‘superficially improve’ council’s green credentials

Bedford Borough Council has been told that divesting pension funds reduces the pressure on companies to accelerate their transition to net zero. In January, councillors voted...

Milton Keynes Council to act as SEMLEP accountable body

A local council is taking on “quite a workload” to be the responsible authority for a regional group aiming to bring prosperity to Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes and parts of Northamptonshire...

Bedfordshire Police confirm that women can refuse a strip search by a trans officer

A woman arrested by Bedfordshire Police would be able to refuse a strip search by a transgender officer, the force’s deputy chief constable has said. But he said that Beds Police...

Changes to government calculations mean additional 12,000 new houses in Bedford Borough

Bedford borough will have to find sites for an additional 12,000 new homes following changes to government calculations, a meeting heard. Bedford mayor, Dave Hodgson told the...

The Bedfordshire safety consultant helping to train councillors in self-defence

A Bedfordshire safety consultant has been teaching councillors how to defend themselves in the lead up to local elections. Miranda Smythe, an experienced safety consultant...

Bedford doesn’t have “everything we need” for GP surgeries and health provision

Being involved in the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Partnership is "really important", to make sure the needs of Bedford people are met. One of the new representatives...

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