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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.

Bedford Borough Lib Dems defend Universal amendment debate

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have defended their decision to add an amendment on council governance to a key proposal regarding Universal Studios. Group leader, cllr Henry Vann...

Borough Council agrees response to Universal Studios consultation and calls for greater project scrutiny

Bedford Borough Council has voted to approve its formal amended response to the government’s consultation on the proposed Universal Destinations and Experiences resort...

Bedford Borough Mayor hints at legal action against asylum seeker hotels

Bedford mayor Tom Wootton (Conservative) has welcomed a High Court decision preventing an Essex hotel from being used to house asylum seekers without planning permission...

Bedford Borough Council not practising what it preaches in supporting local businesses

Bedford Borough Council says it backs local businesses – but spending figures show the lion’s share of its spending is going to national suppliers. The council said it is supporting local...

Meet the new youth organisation aiming to connect with young people through “lived experience”

Everyone’s Gang, a new youth organisation, is making its presence felt by placing the powerful concept of “lived experience” at the heart of its mission. The organisation was founded by...

No concerns over Bedfordshire Pension Fund stability despite £79million defecit

Bedford Borough Council has confirmed the Bedfordshire Pension Fund was running a £79.2 million deficit at its last full valuation – but says there are no concerns over its governance or stability...

Parcels and pizza could be on the cards as Post Office counter applies for planning permission

A Bedford convenience store that also houses a Post Office counter has applied for planning permission to expand its services by offering pizzas. Nakshatra Limited, based on Queens Drive...

Council scraps plans to buy former high street bank building

Plans to purchase the former Lloyds Bank building on Bedford High Street have been scrapped by Bedford Borough Council, amid ongoing financial pressure and questions over the future of...

Bedford Borough Council to formally support Universal Plans but concerns are raised

Bedford Borough councillors are set to formally support plans for Universal Studios, but concerns have been raised over traffic, housing demand, and noise, and they say financial support...

New care home for the elderly approved despite neighbourly opposition

A plan to turn a four-bedroom house in Bedford into a small residential care home has been approved by councillors – despite objections from neighbours. The application at 18 St Alban Road...

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