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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.

PCC aims to change policing messages on violence against women and girls

Bedfordshire’s newly elected policing chief is planning to put the spotlight on violence against women and girls. PCC Festus Akinbusoye...

Underfunding of Bedfordshire Police to be addressed by Home Office

Policing in Bedfordshire is underfunded by a quarter of the resources the county force needs, a meeting heard. The funding formula for police forces under which Bedfordshire is treated as a rural setting...

Care workers deserve a pay rise “more than the NHS” says Bedford mayor

Bedford’s mayor is batting for care workers to be given a pay rise by the Government, too. NHS employees are due to receive a three per cent hike but so far nothing has...

Police commissioner’s office defends “woke” plan as “rushed” committee complains

Bedfordshire’s new police and crime commissioner is in a hurry to publish his plan for the next three years and it is putting strain on a watchdog committee to respond in time. Festus...

“Patient” developer gets go ahead for 390 new homes in Bromham

Planners have given the go-ahead for up to 390 new homes to be built on the outskirts of Bromham. A committee was told that the principle of developing the site, off Stagsden Road...

Bedford’s contact tracing ‘cannot cope’ with rapid rise in infections

A rapid rise in covid cases linked to people becoming infected during the European football championships is overwhelming Bedford’s contact tracing system, a meeting heard. Contact...

Restaurateur’s herb growing bid gives planners food for thought

A Thai restaurant owner who wanted to grow his own herbs and vegetables gave council planners food for thought. But the planning committee decided that the application to build hydroponic greenhouses on land...

Committee overrides massive village opposition to give permission to mother and baby unit

Councillors have overridden huge opposition in Sharnbrook to give the green light to a service for troubled new mums and their newborns. The planning committee was told that the occupiers of a converted...

North/South pothole divide doesn’t exist says Borough Council

A councillor who said many residents believe most council money is spent on areas north of the river provoked a senior officer’s rapid denial. The topic of potholes was...

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