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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.

Bedford Borough Council has yet to respond to questions about cost and impact of Improvement Plan 

Bedford Borough Council has yet to respond to questions about the cost, staffing impact and use of external consultants in its Improvement Plan, more than a month after they...

Budget changes approved as Bedford Borough Council drops savings plans and adds town centre funding

Bedford Borough Council has approved an amended 2026/27 budget, dropping proposed savings on councillor allowances and speed cameras while adding town centre cleaning funding and...

Traffic worries in Queen’s Park as EWR proposes location for multi-storey station car park

People in Bedford’s Queen’s Park have warned their neighbourhood could be overwhelmed by traffic and congestion under East West Rail (EWR) proposals for a multi-storey station car park...

Breaking news: Bedford Borough councillors agree budget with almost 5% council tax rise

Bedford Borough Council has approved the 2026/27 budget, which includes an almost 5% rise in council tax. Council Tax will increase by 4.99% (2.99% core plus 2% Adult Social Care precept) to help...

Rot found years before Bedford’s Queen’s Bridge closure as councillors trade blame

Inspection reports for Bedford’s Queen’s Bridge recorded rot and timber deterioration years before its closure in August 2025, as councillors dispute whether the bridge was properly...

Award-winning firm to move 66 jobs out of Bedford Borough

ACO Technologies has confirmed 66 Bedford Borough jobs will relocate to its Shefford area site after Central Bedfordshire Council approved plans to expand premises near Meppershall...

Bedford Borough Council could form new Foundation Strategic Authority with others in region

Bedford Borough Council could form a new Foundation Strategic Authority with Milton Keynes, Central Bedfordshire and Luton as part of the next stage of England’s devolution programme...

Wootton GP surgery rebuild plan sees £96,000 shortfall

A borough council business case for a new GP surgery in Wootton estimates the capital cost at nearly £5 million, but councillors have raised concerns about a £96,000 income gap...

Lack of five-year housing supply undermining Bedford Borough’s neighbourhood plans, warns committee

Borough councillors have warned that neighbourhood plans are being undermined as plans for a 75-home development in Clapham were approved. Last night (Thursday), the chair of...

Bedford Borough Council’s overspend rises to £14 million as financial crisis deepens

Bedford Borough Council’s forecast overspend has risen to £14.3 million, as internal auditors warned that the forecast overspend exceeds available reserves. The figures were discussed...

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