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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.

Pyramid Schools “are not sponging off us” for transport claim Central Beds councillors

Schools impacted by a possible change in Central Bedfordshire Council’s home to school transport policy "aren’t sponging off the local authority" to top up their budgets, a meeting heard...

Council defends SEND non-attendance policy as resident calls for leniency

Bedford Borough Council is defending its policy of prosecuting families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) for school non-attendance, despite calls...

Watchdog finds Central Bedfordshire Council at fault after girl with complex needs missed out on education

A Central Bedfordshire mother has received an apology and £500 from the local authority after it failed to make legal educational provision for her daughter’s complex needs, according...

“Significant health concerns” remain despite Bedford’s high rate of green spaces

Bedford borough has one of the highest rates of green space access in the country, with 84.2 per cent of adults living near parks and open spaces, but "significant health concerns" remain say...

Apparent drop in temporary accommodation numbers a “data issue” amidst claims of poor customer service

A reported drop in the number of Bedford borough households in temporary accommodation was the result of data errors, as charity 'Just Us' accuse housing officers of bad behaviour...

Labour councillors in Bedford say Muslim Network report is a ‘wake-up call’

Bedford Borough Labour Group said the recent Labour Muslim Network (LMN) survey findings are” sobering” but are “not being dismissed”. The LMN asked Muslim Labour MPs, councillors...

Three Bedford charities awarded £40k to support those in need

Three charities operating in Bedford borough have been awarded a share of £40,000 from the House of Industry Estate, a trust that is managed by Bedford Borough Council, which...

Fifth application made to convert the Fox and Hounds pub

Plans to change the use of a Bedford pub have returned while a third appeal is still being considered, as Bedford Borough Council has received a fifth application to convert The Fox And Hounds...

Free school project in Bedford ‘still paused’ as council warns of place shortfall

A new free school project for Bedford borough remains indefinitely paused by the government, a committee heard yesterday. This development has sparked disappointment for...

Mayor reflects on “incredible” first two years leading Bedford Borough Council

In an interview with the LDRS, Bedford Borough mayor Tom Wootton has described his first two years in office as “incredible”. Reflecting on the demanding nature of the role...

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