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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.

Uncertainty over Central Beds recycling collections following waste operator fire

A fire at a waste operator’s treatment facility has left a local authority facing uncertainty over its dry recycling collections across Central Bedfordshire in the run-up to the...

Proposal to convert vacant Embankment house into seven flats

Bedford’s Embankment could gain seven self-contained flats – if plans are approved. Bedford Borough Council has received an application to convert a former house in multiple occupation...

School leaders anger at being “fobbed off, misled and misrepresented” by Central Bedfordshire Council

School leaders across Central Bedfordshire have accused Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) of misrepresentation and failing to work collaboratively on critical...

“When is a vacant property not a vacant property? When it’s Debenhams” – empty property report questioned

Bedford Borough councillors have raised questions over how the council defines “vacancy”, after the former Debenhams building was excluded from the official count of empty units...

“Critical month” ahead for Bedford Borough warns mayor

Bedford’s mayor has warned that there is a “critical month” ahead as councillors question whether the authority may need Exceptional Financial Support. Bedford Borough Council may be...

More needs to be done to reverse potential impact of changes to local authority funding say councillors

Labour MPs in Central Bedfordshire constituencies are being urged to do more to reverse the potential £24m impact of proposed government changes to local authority funding...

Councillors to discuss Wixams GP surgery’s “critical” business case

A long-awaited GP surgery for Wixams could take a step forward next week when Bedford Borough Council’s executive considers whether to approve a business case and £5.5m...

New plans for Bedford flats eight years after permission granted

A developer has revived plans for four new flats above a commercial block in Bedford, eight years after the scheme was last approved and never built. The application seeks permission...

Failed lease of former pub leads to hefty bill for Bedford Borough taxpayers

Bedford Borough Council has confirmed that an internal audit did not take place on the decision to lease the former Paddington Pub on Bedford’s Midland Road, leading to the taxpayer...

Planning application for new Elective Care Hub at Bedford Hospital submitted

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has submitted a planning application for a new Elective Care Hub at Bedford Hospital. The application proposes demolishing the...

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