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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.

Ofsted identifies “strengths” in Borough Council’s children’s services

Ofsted has identified strengths in Bedford Borough Council’s work helping children in care achieve stable, long-term homes while highlighting areas where further improvement is needed...

Retrospective planning bid for relocated Bedford town centre sculpture

Bedford Borough Council has submitted a retrospective planning application after relocating a town centre sculpture from Harpur Square to St Paul’s Square as part of regeneration works...

Bedfordshire pension fund exposed to assets affected by Middle East conflict

An investigation has found Bedfordshire Pension Fund has exposure to investment funds holding assets affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, raising questions about long-term risk...

Councillors approve Bedford gaming centre after finding concerns were ‘real and credible’

A Bedford Borough Council licensing panel approved a new 24-hour gaming centre in Silver Street despite describing concerns about crime, disorder and vulnerable people as “real and credible”...

Mid Bedfordshire MP says he was not invited to Universal resort announcement

Mid Bedfordshire MP Blake Stephenson has questioned why he was not invited to a government announcement marking the next stage of the planned Universal United Kingdom Resort development...

Bedford council cuts agency social worker numbers as permanent workforce grows

New figures show Bedford Borough Council reduced the number of agency social workers in children’s services from 50 to 31 in a year, while permanent staffing increased...

Bedford council approves recovery plan to tackle adult social care waiting lists

Bedford Borough Council has approved a recovery plan aimed at reducing adult social care waiting lists and waiting times after concerns were identified by the Care Quality Commission...

Breaking news: New Bedford town centre gaming centre approved despite objections over crime and vulnerability

Bedford councillors have approved a new adult gaming centre in Silver Street despite concerns over gambling harm, crime, deprivation and the impact on vulnerable residents...

Mayor says Bedford council will ‘get out of’ financial difficulties despite concerns

Bedford Borough Council is facing a financial shortfall of around £5 million, but Mayor Tom Wootton says he remains confident the authority can balance its budget by year-end...

Bedford Borough Council writes off nearly £419,000 in unrecoverable debts

Almost £419,000 owed to Bedford Borough Council has been written off after debtors became insolvent, died, or could not be traced. But the authority says the losses have already been...

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