Picture of Local Democracy Reporter

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.

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...

Bedford Corn Exchange, churches, gurdwaras and mosques could be flu vaccination points

Places of worship and indoor venues are being lined up as possible places where at-risk people could receive free flu vaccinations and remain socially distant. Bedford Mayor Dave Hodgson said...

Coronavirus data questioned amid fears Bedford’s R-rate exceeds one

Bedford’s mayor is worried that the borough’s crucial R-rate might have gone above the critical level needed to control the coronavirus pandemic...

Bedford could feel coronavirus impact for “a generation”

A council report has painted a grim picture of a post-coronavirus Bedford, saying there will be a "profound" knock-on effects of COVID-19 on the area that may last for a generation. The report...

Bedford Borough Council costs order after “unreasonable” planning decision delay

A Government inspector has ordered Bedford Borough Council to pay costs after “unreasonable” delays in making a planning decision. Dominic Batchelor was so fed up with waiting for...

Father’s ‘biblical plague’ fears about council depot revamp are rejected by planners

A father feared that his daughter would be subjected to “biblical plagues” of rats and flies from the reorganisation of a council depot...

Get the latest Bedford news first

Subscribe to our free daily email for our lead story each morning before we publish it anywhere else, plus the key Bedford Borough headlines from the last 24 hours – without having to log into social media.