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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.

Plans for Houghton Conquest film studio still on track

Plans for a film and TV studio campus at Quest Pit, Houghton Conquest, are moving forward, with the developers submitting an application to amend the existing planning permission...

Council to miss ‘inspection of accounts’ deadline

Bedford Borough Council has delayed the inspection of its accounts, just days after being asked if it would meet the deadline. By law, the council must tell residents and taxpayers how it spends...

Wentworth Drive children’s home application would fill “genuine need”

There is a “genuine need” for children's care homes in the Bedfordshire area, a planning application has said. Plans to change 111 Wentworth Drive, Bedford to a children’s care home...

Government publish administrative arrangements for Universal Studios

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published the administrative arrangements designed to ensure a fair, open, and impartial decision-making process for Universal...

Mayor of Bedford charity committee chooses four beneficiaries of annual fundraising efforts

Four local charities have been selected to benefit from Bedford Borough’s Mayor’s Charity fundraising during 2025/26. The charity was started in 2005 by the then mayor, Frank Branson...

Cllr says Bedford ‘drug-free’ stats defy reality as safety fears grow

A Bedford borough councillor has accused police of underplaying the town’s drug problem and said residents no longer feel safe. Bedford Borough cllr Marc Frost (Wilstead/Conservative)...

Mayor proposes ‘Universal Day’ to mark theme park plans

A special day to mark the arrival of Universal Studios in Bedford Borough could become a new annual tradition, under proposals due to be debated by councillors next week...

“Genuine need” for children’s care homes as new application made for Wentworth Drive

There is a "genuine need" for children care homes in the Bedfordshire area, a planning application has said. Plans to change 111 Wentworth Drive, Bedford to a children’s care home for a maximum...

Council report highlights multiple cases of disciplinary action against Bedford’s taxi and private hire drivers

Bedford Borough Council has taken disciplinary action against multiple taxi and private hire drivers following safety complaints, traffic offences, and failures to meet licensing standards...

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