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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.

Campaigners tell councillors supporting new rail route is “nuts”

A campaigner has claimed that despite council claims to the contrary, East West Rail will use diesel-powered trains when the line first opens. Mike Barlow, from BFARe, told the full council...

Bedford Borough Council tax increase confirmed with average household to see a 4 per cent rise

Council tax for an average Bedford borough home is going up by almost four per cent. Bedford Borough councillors were asked to approve the council tax resolution at the full meeting...

Lack of funding could impact support for victims of domestic abuse

A charity that offers services to women who have suffered from domestic abuse is worried that it might have to lose two team members due to a lack of funding. Charlotte Day, chief officer...

Deputy Mayor “fed up” with “spurious” statements but refuses to answer questions

Bedford’s deputy mayor said he is getting a bit fed up with Green Party councillors’ “spurious” statements – but chose not to answer the question a Green councillor put to him, despite being...

Car auction site asks permission for late night opening seven days a week

A car auction centre has submitted an application so it can open until midnight seven days a week. BCA has submitted the planning application to remove a planning condition to...

Council planners dismiss CPZ parking concerns

Parking in a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) is not a concern for Bedford Borough Council’s planning officers when they consider planning...

“Quick decision” on allocation of £1m additional education funding could mean money is “wasted”

Concerns have been raised that the speed at which extra funding for schools was allocated could mean that money is ‘wasted’...

Kempston car wash could provide space for new homes

A car wash site could make way for a block of 12 flats if plans are given the go-ahead. Developers have submitted the proposal to erect the flats on the site in Dallas Road, Kempston...

Bedford Borough Councillors asked not to increase allowances

Bedford Borough councillors are to be asked to keep their allowances at the same level for another year. As elected volunteers and not employed, councillors do not receive a salary. However...

A brief guide to political point-scoring ahead of the May 2023 elections

When does a statement from a politician or a councillor become a point-scoring one? A debate on council tax prompted a senior councillor to...

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