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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.

Ombudsman drops child protection investigation into Bedford Borough Council

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has decided not to investigate a complaint against Bedford Borough Council over the handling of a child protection case...

Cauldwell locals voice concerns over plans for 170 homes on green space

Bedfordians in Cauldwell Ward have voiced growing concern over plans by housing association BPHA and the Hill Group for 170 homes on the green space off Mowbray Road and Moor Lane...

Former Mid Beds MP’s SEND warning to Central Bedfordshire Council and the government

Former Labour MP for Mid Bedfordshire Alistair Strathern is demanding the government listen to families of local children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities...

Mayor says councillors could withdraw support for EWR Bedford route after “bombshell” demolition announcement

Bedford Borough councillors have raised concerns after learning that homes on Ashburnham Road could be demolished under updated proposals from the East West Rail Company (EWRCo)...

Further five years for ‘temporary’ hospital car parks

Two “temporary” car parks next to Bedford Hospital could be kept in place for another five years after developers lodged fresh planning applications with Bedford Borough Council...

Concerns raised as councils’ debt rises across Bedfordshire

Councils across the UK added £7.8bn to their debt pile in the year to April 2025, according to analysis by the BBC Shared Data Unit – with Bedford Borough Council among those recording...

Five private companies account for 70% of council’s temporary housing budget

Bedford Borough Council spent £17.5 million on temporary accommodation between December 2023 and March 2025, new figures show. The majority of the money went to private...

‘Tweet’ from PCC raises concerns over accuracy and judicial independence

The Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has admitted that his original tweet, weighing in on the backlash surrounding the Lucy Connolly case, contained “erroneous” information...

Bedford Borough Council asked if plans for 170 homes needs full environmental assessment

A partnership between housing association bpha and the Hill Group has asked Bedford Borough Council to confirm whether its plans for 170 new homes off Mowbray Road and Moor Lane, Bedford...

Rail in Bedford must be priority for Universal transport plans urges rail association

The head of the British Regional Transport Association (BRTA) has urged planners behind the proposed Universal Studios theme park at Kempston Hardwick to prioritise rail over road upgrades...

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