Picture of Local Democracy Reporter

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 fire chiefs “surprised” by new rules allowing non-firefighters to apply for senior roles

Bedfordshire’s fire chiefs say they were caught by surprise when a major update to the rulebook covering the pay, conditions and employment of the country’s most senior fire officers...

Foster carer shortage costing Bedford Borough Council £21million a year

A shortage of foster carers means Bedford Borough Council is spending more than £21 million a year on 44 children placed in residential or unregistered care, according...

Online abuse of Bedfordshire firefighters and staff increasing

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service will review its policies after senior figures warned that online abuse of firefighters, officers and authority members is increasing and having damaging...

Riseley family “financially and emotionally drained” by 10 year planning dispute with Bedford Borough Council

A Riseley family says a decade-long planning dispute with Bedford Borough Council has left them financially and emotionally drained, as their case now heads to the High Court...

Two-thirds of young carers across Bedford not recognised or supported

More than two-thirds of young carers in Bedford are not formally identified or supported, according to new figures. Analysis presented to the council’s Children’s Services Overview...

Liberal Democrats and Conservatives clash over blame for EWR Route E demolitions

A political row has erupted in Bedford over East West Rail’s controversial northern Route E, with both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats accusing each other of failing...

New plans for former bus station in Kempston

A former bus station in Kempston could soon reopen as an MOT and vehicle servicing centre under new plans submitted to Bedford Borough Council. The applicants said the...

Former nightclub and bar could become High Street hotel if plans are approved

A former nightclub and bar on Bedford High Street could be transformed into a 36-bedroom hotel under new plans submitted to Bedford Borough Council. The application for...

Bedford Borough Council executive say debt already falling making reports “out of date”

Bedford Borough Council’s debt has already fallen from the level reported earlier this week, according to local Conservatives, who claim figures cited in national analysis painted an...

Parish Council submits revised plans for Bromham Mill development

Bromham Parish Council has submitted revised proposals to Bedford Borough Council for the change of use and refurbishment of several buildings at Bromham Mill...

Get the latest Bedford news first

Subscribe to our free daily email for our lead story each morning before we publish it anywhere else, plus the key Bedford Borough headlines from the last 24 hours – without having to log into social media.