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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.

“Good news” that Winter Wonderland isn’t returning says Borough Councillor

A Bedford Borough councillor has said it’s “good news” that Winter Wonderland isn’t returning to Bedford Park this year. Cllr Jonathan Abbott (Lib Dem, Clapham and Oakley) asked for a Wonderland...

Bedford Borough Council to “strengthen checks” on temporary housing

Bedford Borough Council says it is stepping up efforts to ensure temporary accommodation offered to homeless residents meets the required standards, after councillors raised...

No charge for Bedford rough sleepers to access night shelters council confirms

Night shelter beds in Bedford borough are free of charge for those referred to them, councillors were told this week. At yesterday’s Housing Committee (Wednesday, 24 September)...

New research suggests dementia cases across Bedford Borough “expected to rise significantly”

The number of people living with dementia in Bedford Borough is expected to rise significantly over the coming decades, according to a new council-commissioned health needs assessment...

Parents urge Bedford Borough Council to protect independent support for young carers

Parents have written to local media voicing alarm that Bedford Borough Council could undermine a service they describe as “life-changing” for their children. A report to the Children’s Services Overview...

Thousands of low-income Bedford households could lose council tax support

More than 5,000 low-income households in Bedford borough could be asked to start paying council tax for the first time under proposals going before councillors next week...

River Great Ouse fails E. coli safety checks at several popular bathing sites

Half the river sites tested along the Great Ouse through Bedfordshire are unsafe for bathing, according to new data from the Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust...

Central Bedfordshire Council apologises after failing to reassess SEND child

A local authority has paid £700 and apologised to a Central Bedfordshire parent after failing to respond to her request for a re-assessment of her child’s special educational needs...

Leisure centre control sees Bedford Borough Council’s carbon footprint rise for first time in six years

Bedford Borough Council’s latest greenhouse gas report shows its official carbon footprint has risen for the first time in six years – not because of higher energy use, but because leisure centres...

Concerns raised at police and crime meeting over private security patrols

Concerns have been raised over private security patrolling Bedford’s town centre at a recent meeting of the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Panel. But organiser Peter McCormack said the patrols...

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