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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 fails to respond to questions about accident claims of almost £20,000

Bedford Borough Council has failed to respond to questions about nearly £20,000 in accident compensation claims, despite repeated attempts to obtain further details. Last month, Accident Claims Advice...

Lack of resources delays council’s social housing review

A review of Bedford borough’s social housing allocation policy has been delayed by six months due to resource pressures caused by the Cleat Hill gas explosion response, a meeting heard...

Local people set to play ‘key role’ in Greyfriars development plans

Bedford Borough Council and its partners are pushing forward with the redevelopment of Greyfriars, with residents set to play a key role in shaping the project, a meeting has heard...

Local pension fund urged to “listen” over Israel/Gaza conflict concerns

Bedfordshire Pension Fund has been urged "to listen" to scheme members and residents and begin divestment away from companies involved in the Israel/Gaza conflict. But the pension...

Wootton and Stewartby school pyramid transition remains “on track”

The Wootton/Stewartby school pyramid conversion to a two-tier education system remains on track, with key milestones set to be achieved by September 2025, Bedford Borough...

Bedford Borough Council introduce ‘Year of Reading’ to help boost literacy rates

Bedford Borough Council’s Year of Reading is aimed at boosting literacy rates and encouraging a love of books across all age groups – as one in four primary school children are...

Councillor says we all have a part to play in improving Bedford Borough’s town centres

The councillor in charge of economic growth has said that everyone has a part to play in improving Bedford Borough’s town centres during an update on the council’s Town Centres Vision...

Cleat Hill recovery costs could reach £2m, council told

Bedford Borough Council’s Executive has been told the council could face a multi-million pound bill for the response to the fatal Cleat Hill gas explosion. A gas explosion that devastated a house on Cleat Hill in October 2024 has already...

Changes to Bedford Borough Council constitution will give mayor more power

Bedford Borough Council is changing its constitution to align with legal advice that says a mayoral decision cannot be overruled at a Full Council meeting –  even if a majority of councillors...

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