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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.

“Act as if you’ve got the virus this weekend” says Bedford Borough’s health lead

A leading Bedford politician is urging residents to show caution when pubs, restaurants, barbers and hairdressers re-open this weekend...

Councillor says ‘democratic rights’ at stake during planning committee’s lockdown

A councillor says the democratic rights of the public are being lost during the planning committee’s lockdown.Cllr Alison Foster (Cons, Harrold ward)...

Booze license granted for new Riverside North bar despite noise concerns

An alcohol licence has been granted for a new Mediterranean-style coffee bar despite the noise concerns of a council environmental health officer...

Council creates £50k lifeline fund for Bedford charities struggling during pandemic

A charitable trust run by Bedford Borough Council has created a £50,000 urgent fund to help charities struggling to survive the coronavirus pandemic...

Beds Police: ‘We’ve got a better understanding of gangs now than we’ve ever had’

Gang activity in the county is better understood by Bedfordshire Police than ever before, a meeting heard. The force dealt with 54,000 crimes in...

Cost of council audit could rise by “only” £45,000 because hourly rate is ‘not enough’

Costs of auditing the council’s budget could rise by £45,000 because the number crunching professionals are demanding a higher rate...

Bedford a step closer to £25m Gov’t regeneration town centre funding

The Government has now issued guidelines for towns - including Bedford - which were invited to bid for up to £25 million of the Government's Future High...

Covid crisis is latest set back to Greyfriars Police Station redevelopment

Plans to rejuvenate a prominent town centre site in Bedford have stalled because of the impact of the pandemic on the local authority’s finances...

Bedfordshire’s PCC “beyond disappointed” at complaint allegations

Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Kathryn Holloway says she “represents exceptional value for money” for local council taxpayers, after allegations were made...

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner accused of a lack of openness and transparency

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Kathryn Holloway has been accused of a lack of openness and transparency in an email sent to the county’s police and crime panel. The complaint...

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