9 November 2026

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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.

64 School absence fines given to SEND families across Central Bedfordshire in the past year

Fines for unauthorised school absences issued to parents of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Central Bedfordshire "harm children and vulnerable families"...

Central Bedfordshire’s Local Plan earmarks more than 600 potential sites for development

More than 600 sites have been suggested for potential development in Central Bedfordshire for when the new Local Plan is adopted. The list is due to be whittled down by Central Bedfordshire...

Planning enforcement team “exceed Government benchmarks” despite delays

Bedford Borough Council’s planning enforcement and appeals team has exceeded government performance benchmarks, despite a rising workload and delays from the national...

Great Barford one step closer to new GP surgery but other health projects stall

After years of campaigning by residents and councillors, a new purpose-built GP surgery in Great Barford has cleared a major hurdle – but questions remain about stalled progress on similar...

Greenacre Independent School’s application to increase capacity deferred

Bedford Borough Council’s Planning Committee (April 28) has deferred a decision on Greenacre Independent School’s proposal to increase its student capacity from 670 to 750 pupils...

Revenue decrease from parking permits despite a record number handed out

Bedford Borough Council has been issuing an ever-growing number of parking permits to residents — but revenue from them has dropped, according to the figures. The Borough Council...

Traveller site on Ampthill Road “not impacted” by plans say Universal Studios

Plans for a major new Universal Studios theme park on the outskirts of Bedford could bring significant changes for the Traveller community, as the development site sits near an established...

Anger over lack of consultation on Crisis Café closures

Disappointed Central Bedfordshire councillors have challenged mental health leaders over Crisis Café changes. An update on the switch from local Crisis Cafés to the “Recovery Lounge”...

Bedford Borough Council raises charges on temporary accommodation to plug growing funding gap

For the first time since 2019, Bedford Borough Council is increasing rent and service charges on its own temporary accommodation properties — a move designed to address a growing...

New policy sees “products linked to poor health” banned from council spaces

Bedford Borough Council has adopted a new policy to ban advertising and sponsorship deals that promote products linked to poor health outcomes - such as junk food, alcohol, gambling...

Award-winning fundrasier takes on 50-mile challenge for Movember

Ancient woodland in Bedford Borough under pressure from national housing targets

Bedford Blues rising up the table after fourth straight max points win at Blackheath

Second half blitz helps Real Bedford to win over Rushall Olympic

Queens Drive collision leaves elderly driver fighting for life in Bedford