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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.

170 under-18s referred to drug or alcohol services across Bedfordshire last year

More than 130 under-18s were referred to drug or alcohol services in Central Bedfordshire last year, with 87 young people entering structured treatment, according to figures released...

Bedford Borough Council minutes amended after accusation they downplayed exploitation allegations

A Bedford Borough councillor has secured a change to official committee minutes after arguing they downplayed the seriousness of allegations involving the treatment of a care worker...

Locals plea for full Environmental Impact Assessment for 400 Kempston homes plan

Objectors are calling on Bedford Borough Council to insist a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is needed for a proposed development of up to 400 homes on farmland...

Increased demand will see Bedford’s SEND budget stay in deficit despite more government funding

Bedford Borough Council’s budget for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is forecast to remain in deficit next year, despite a headline increase in...

Licence granted for new Asda Express on Goldington Road

The application for a premises licence for Asda Express, 178 Goldington Road, Bedford (the former Fox and Hounds) has been granted. In an announcement published yesterday (Monday)...

Public safety concerns over Midland Road supermarket’s late night alcohol licence

A new Bedford supermarket has applied for permission to sell alcohol and hot food late into the night, prompting objections from police and local councillors over public safety concerns...

Bedfordshire Councils respond to removal of two-child cap on benefits

Legislation to abolish the two-child limit on benefits has been introduced to Parliament, with the government saying the move will lift thousands of children in Bedfordshire out of poverty...

Bedford Borough mayor rejects “fire sale” claim as public assets approved for sale

Bedford borough’s mayor has rejected opposition claims of a “fire sale” of public assets after approving the sale of four council-owned commercial properties earlier this week...

Council executive approves improvement plan to tackle Borough’s financial pressures

Bedford Borough Council’s Executive has approved a wide-ranging plan aimed at overhauling how it operates as it struggles with growing financial pressures and a projected...

Calls for greater transparency with public as Mayor admits request for £55m government bailout

A Bedford councillor says the council is “downplaying” a £55m request for exceptional government financial support, as fresh questions are raised over transparency at Borough Hall...

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