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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.

Bedfordshire Police demonstrates live facial recognition in Bedford town centre

Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology was demonstrated in Bedford Town Centre today (Friday, 19 September) to highlight Bedfordshire Police being chosen as one of seven...

Senior Central Bedfordshire Council officer apologises for home-to-school transport chaos

A senior Central Bedfordshire Council officer has apologised for the chaos around home-to-school transport at the start of the autumn term. The local authority is reassuring parents...

Complaints against Bedford councils dismissed

Bedford Borough Council’s Standards Committee heard that a wave of complaints against borough, town and parish councillors had been dismissed. The council’s monitoring...

Locals ‘left out’ of Bromham Mill plans according to objection letter

A major redevelopment of Bromham Mill has sparked anger among residents, who say they have been excluded from decisions on the parish’s largest-ever financial project...

Wixams Town Council dismisses claims they have a judicial review against them

Wixams Town Council has said it has not received any official notification of a judicial review, despite a series of emails and a Facebook post from town councillor David Whiteley claiming...

Bedfordshire Pension Fund seeks guidance on divestment from companies linked to Israel’s actions in Palestine

Campaigners say Bedfordshire Pension Fund could be legally obliged to divest from companies linked to Israel’s actions in Palestine — but the fund argues the issue lies with central government...

Lurke Street battery storage installation approved despite fire safety concerns

Bedford Borough Council’s Planning Committee has approved plans to install large battery storage units on the roof of the Lurke Street multi-storey car park, despite concerns...

Town centre Mosque and HMO plans return

Fresh plans have been submitted to turn part of a former gym site in Bedford into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) with a mosque and community space. The proposal for 5 Melbourne...

‘Empty’ Debenhams costing Bedford taxpayers half a million pounds each year

Bedford Borough Council is spending nearly half a million pounds a year on the former Debenhams building – with councillors clashing over whether the costly problems…

Reform by-election victory in Stotfold

Reform UK candidate Marion Mason has been elected to Central Bedfordshire Council after topping the Stotfold by-election poll. She becomes the second Reform UK member...

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