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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.

Council to review usage of procurement cards to “reduce the risk of misuse”

Bedford Borough Council is carrying out a review of its staff procurement cards to ensure tighter controls and improved transparency, according to an internal newsletter...

Sandwiches in Stewartby could be on the menu in Broadmead Business Park

Stewartby could gain a new sandwich shop – if a planning application is approved. A planning application has been submitted to Bedford Borough Council to change the use of Unit 10, Broadmead Business...

Application made to improve the “buildability” of major Biddenham housing plot

A planning application submitted to Bedford Borough Council seeks to amend several conditions tied to a major housing development north of Bromham Road in Biddenham...

24/7 coffee shop plans for Ampthill Road to be considered

Bedford Borough Council has received a planning application for a 24/7 drive-thru coffee shop with electric vehicle charging facilities to be built in the Morrisons car park on Ampthill Road...

Kempston councillor quits Labour over welfare cuts and Palestine stance

A Bedford Borough councillor has left the Labour Group, citing welfare reform plans and the government’s response to the crisis in Palestine as the reasons behind her decision...

External firm appointed to aid with the “transformation” of adult social care

An external consultancy firm has been appointed to support Bedford Borough Council’s transformation of adult social care, a meeting heard. The company, Newton, will work with the council...

Retrospective planning permission for unregistered care home in Wootton refused

A retrospective planning application for an unregistered care home in Wootton has been refused by Bedford Borough Council’s Planning Committee, following concerns about legality...

“Around half of jobs to be lost” at region’s Integrated Care Board after merger confirmed

A merger of regional health organisations is expected to result in a loss of around half of the jobs at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes integrated care board (BLMK ICB)...

Bedford Borough announced as top-performing council for climate action

Bedford Borough Council has been named the top-performing council in Bedfordshire for climate action, according to the latest Council Climate Action Scorecards from Climate Emergency UK...

Planning application for 95 new homes in Wilstead deferred again

A decision for a Wilstead planning application has been deferred again. The plans to build up to 95 new homes returned to Bedford Borough Council’s Planning Committee...

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