Picture of Local Democracy Reporter

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.

Bedford Borough council tax rise is sixth-highest in England

Figures released by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities show that Bedford Borough Council had the sixth-highest council tax rise amongst unitary authorities in England...

Policing in Bedfordshire can’t be allocated based on demand or rural policing could be lost

If police resources were allocated purely on demand, then the rural and community teams would probably be absorbed into Bedford or Luton. A report presented to the Bedfordshire...

Bedford bus station deep clean ‘wasn’t deep and wasn’t clean’ says Councillor

The Bedford Bus Station deep clean took place, but it wasn’t deep and it wasn’t clean, a senior councillor said, adding that this was “totally and utterly unsatisfactory”...

Plans to increase residential moorings at Priory Marina

Plans to change 22 moorings at Bedford’s Priory Marina into residential ones have been submitted. The change would increase the number of residential moorings at the Barkers Lane marina...

Half of Bedford’s ‘looked after children’ placed outside Borough

Half of Bedford borough’s ‘looked after’ children are placed outside the area – but meeting a child’s needs comes before the location, a council committee was told. The Children’s Services Overview & Scrutiny...

Marshall Aerospace propose relocation to Cranfield Airport

Marshall Aerospace wants your opinions on its proposal to relocate from Cambridge to Cranfield Airport. And it says the move could create up to 1,200 jobs at Cranfield with a ‘diverse...

Public money better spent on staff says Deputy Chief Constable

Public money would be better spent on more staff than funding local enquiry offices that are seldom used, says Bedfordshire Police’s deputy chief constable. The Police and Crime Commissioner...

Fire Service will prosecute businesses breaching safety orders following Broadway House incident

Business owners are warned that the fire service won’t hesitate to use legal enforcement powers, including prosecution, if fire safety orders are not complied with and people are put at risk. The prosecution...

Councillors reject proposed increase to planning site visits

More visits to developments sites before meetings may put councillors off being part of the planning committee, a meeting heard. Planning Committee chair, councillor...

New homes set to be built on former St. Andrew’s School site

More homes could be set to be built on a former school site. A planning application has been submitted to Bedford Borough Council for the former St Andrew’s School site on Pemberley Avenue...

Get the latest Bedford news first

Subscribe to our free daily email for our lead story each morning before we publish it anywhere else, plus the key Bedford Borough headlines from the last 24 hours – without having to log into social media.