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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 Council to ‘robustly defend’ refusal of 50-home Roxton development at appeal

Bedford Borough Council says it will be “robustly defending” its refusal of a 50-home development in Roxton at an upcoming appeal hearing. But the developers argue that...

Police panel meeting called off as PCC prioritises anniversary event over scrutiny of Bedford policing

The day that Bedfordshire's PCC issues an open letter to the Mayor of Bedford, calling for 'a renewed partnership approach', it's been revealed that he won't be attending a meeting to address issues of crime...

Mayor’s warning and £8.5m loans spark emergency meeting with Bedfordshire PCC

Bedfordshire’s police and crime commissioner (PCC), John Tizard, is to face questions at an extraordinary meeting of the Police and Crime Panel next week (4 June) following...

Wixams skatepark and 3G pitch plans updated after local feedback

Plans for new community and leisure facilities planned for Wixams have been updated in response to local feedback, giving residents a voice in shaping their neighbourhood. The Wixams...

School expansion approved despite possible “miscalculation” in travel plan numbers

Bedford Borough Council has approved plans to increase the pupil capacity at Bedford Greenacre Independent School from 670 to 750 students, despite concerns over a possible error in the school’s travel plan...

Council spent over £340k on external storage but reports “significant” reduction

Bedford Borough Council spent over £340,000 on commercial storage in 2023/24 - but a senior councillor said there has been a “significant” reduction in expenditure following a major service review...

Bedford Borough Council spends thousands on branded pens, flower arranging, FitSteps and staff away days

According to information released following a Freedom of Information request, Bedford Borough Council spent thousands of pounds on branded merchandise and staff away...

Child with SEND in Central Bedfordshire ‘worth three times less’ than one in London

A meeting has heard that a child with special needs in Central Bedfordshire is seemingly worth three-and-a-half times less than one living in the London Borough of Camden...

Bedford Borough Council says no legal requirement for DBS checks at public events

Bedford Borough Council has said there is no legal requirement for event workers to undergo criminal background checks. In response to questions from the Local Democracy Reporting Service...

Air ambulance, Bunyan Museum and Creating Memories receive mayor’s charity donations

Bedford’s mayor and the Borough Council’s former speaker have presented cheques to three charities to mark the end of a year of fundraising. Yesterday, the Trustees of the Mayor of...

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