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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.

Boom in would-be adopters and foster carers as stay-at-home residents ‘reassess their lives’

There’s been a mini boom in people considering adopting needy children in Bedford as stay-at-home residents reconsider what is important in life, a meeting heard...

Man given four months to remove log cabin family home from Bletsoe

A Bletsoe man has been given three months to move out of his log cabin home and another month to remove it from the site after losing an enforcement appeal...

Have another go later, Bedford planners reluctantly tell shunned Riseley developers

Councillors were finally convinced to reject plans for seven retirement bungalows in a village conservation area after being told they had a legal duty to consider the advice of their experts...

Thurleigh villagers divided over ‘anti democratic’ housing plan

Councillors have controversially granted permission to an “anti-democratic” plan for 20 new homes in a village near Bedford. A site called Hayle Field, off High Street, in Thurleigh...

Health chiefs in Bedford urged to get their act together on carers’ flu vaccinations

Carers have been getting mixed messages on the number of days they should leave between getting the flu jab and the pending covid vaccination, a meeting heard...

Pill camera technology is helping Beds cancer patients get diagnosed

A pill with a tiny camera inside is helping cancer patients in Bedfordshire get the diagnosis they need. A meeting this week was told that the replacement for more traditional...

Plans in place to secure Bedford cancer patients’ drugs if no-deal Brexit

A leading Bedfordshire-based medic says plans are in place to make sure that drugs can get through customs if there is a no deal Brexit. With trade deal talks between the UK Government...

400 homes for Bedford village could be a case of ‘when, not if’ inspector rules

A plan for 400 homes and a new primary school on village land just outside Bedford has been binned – for the time being. A Government planning inspector says...

Committee hears: Bedford “guaranteed” new year coronavirus spike if people blow Christmas bubbles

Public health experts in Bedford are concentrating their messages on trying to limit the damage they fear will be caused by the Christmas relaxation of coronavirus rules. A meeting on...

Teachers’ union reps in Bedford need more help to support stressed members, says official

A trades union official has asked for more support for staff education representatives in the borough. Deirdre Murphy, the Bedford...

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