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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.

Council tax decision reissued two days later after error found in report

Bedford Borough Council has reissued an executive decision on council tax just two days after approving it, after an error was found in the report supporting it. The original decision (1845)...

Alcohol sales at proposed Goldington Road supermarket debated until closing time

A proposal for a new convenience supermarket in Bedford to sell alcohol until 11pm was debated by councillors, despite no objections from police or other responsible authorities...

House of Industry awards £20,000 to two Bedford charities

Trustees overseeing a historic Bedford charity fund have approved nearly £20,000 in grants for two organisations, but a third application was deferred over concerns it did not clearly meet the trust’s...

Gurdwara plans to expand to meet needs of “growing congregation”

Plans have been submitted for a major expansion of one of Bedford’s “vital” community hubs. Sri Gurdwara Sahib Ji has applied for planning permission for a substantial two-storey rear extension...

Changes to green spaces charges could see some paying more council tax

Mayor Tom Wootton (Conservative) has approved changes to how council tax pays for green spaces and community centres – which could see some residents paying more while...

Hundreds of eligible children not claiming free meals at Bedford Borough schools

Hundreds of children across Bedford Borough who are entitled to free school meals are missing out on vital support, with new figures revealing that 865 eligible pupils are not currently receiving...

Walking and cycling routes included in plans for 400 Kempston homes

Plans for up to 400 new homes on farmland at Gibraltar Corner, Kempston, have taken a step forward. This follows a formal request from the developers asking Bedford Borough Council...

Mayor approves plans for Borough’s first Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) school

Bedford Borough’s mayor has approved plans to proceed towards buying the former St Joseph’s Lower School building to create the borough’s first dedicated Social, Emotional...

Biddenham local ‘throws mud’ at Council over construction work

Bedford Borough Council has come under fire from a Biddenham resident who claims the authority isn’t properly policing construction work. Construction Management Plans (CMPs)...

Warwick Avenue “eyesore” up for redevelopment

One of Bedford’s vacant plots could finally be redeveloped under new plans submitted to Bedford Borough Council. The applicant said the site at 111 Warwick Avenue has been empty for around...

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