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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.

Three-quarters of Bedfordshire women feel unsafe after dark poll reveals

A new poll shows big gaps in how safe Bedfordshire residents feel at night, especially women and older people, as police launch a Winter of Action in local town centres...

Bedford Modern School seeks permission to remove RAAC problem

Bedford Modern School plans to demolish a section of its main block to remove RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete).A planning application submitted to Bedford Borough Council said...

Remains of Wootton village pub destroyed by fire set to be demolished

The owners say that the Chequers Inn on Hall End Road in Wootton is “structurally unsafe” following September’s fire, and have submitted an application to Bedford Borough Council to have it torn down...

“Absolute menace” of e-scooters must not be tolerated

Bedfordshire Police have been praised for "not tolerating" what a councillor has described as the "menace" of e-scooters being ridden on pavements and highways across Bedford Borough...

Investment rules questioned over possible Bedfordshire Pension Fund link to IDF

Microsoft’s links to the Israeli Defense Force’s (IDF) IT systems have led to questions about the Bedfordshire Pension Fund’s investment rules. Cllr James Valentine (Labour, Bedford Borough...

Bedford Borough Council pleased with response to Oasis Beach Pool sale

Bedford Borough Council has said it is “pleased” with the response to the marketing to sell Oasis Beach Pool. In September, the council launched a bidding process for the “much-loved” site...

Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Councils look at reducing council tax support for area’s poorest families

Bedford Borough Council is proposing to cut council tax support for low income households from April 2026, while Central Bedfordshire Council is consulting on similar changes as both authorities...

Bedford Borough Council’s executive accused of treating public consultations “with contempt”

Bedford Borough Council’s administration has been accused of treating public consultations “with contempt”. The claim was made during Wednesday night’s Executive (19 November) following...

Drainage culvert forces Dallas Road development redesign

A major Bedford housing development must be redesigned after a large drainage culvert was discovered beneath the former Hazlewood Foods site. In a letter to Bedford Borough Council...

Riseley Neighbourhood Plan cannot be used to stop new housing

Bedford Borough Council has told developers that the Riseley Neighbourhood Plan cannot be used to stop new housing, clearing the way for a 32-home scheme on the former Margaret Beaufort Middle...

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