Picture of Local Democracy Reporter

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.

Investigation finds Bedfordshire pension fund tied to major fossil fuel investments

Bedfordshire Pension Fund is among 60 UK local government schemes linked to £8bn invested in US gas terminals, according to an investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism...

Long-awaited Wixams health centre to open in 2029 after £7m funding secured

A new health centre in Wixams is expected to open in 2029 after nearly £7m in NHS funding was secured, with plans progressing through a partnership between councils and developers...

Traffic fears as impact of Universal and East West Rail on Marston Vale not fully analysed

The impact of two key strategic projects in Central Bedfordshire on a nearby mixed development project in the Marston Vale has yet to be fully analysed, local Conservative...

5,000-home Marston Vale scheme edges toward green light after eight years

A mixed development project for up to 5,000 homes between Bedford and Milton Keynes is being recommended for approval by planning officers. Applicant O and H Properties Limited’s...

£2 million planned savings shortfall facing Bedford Borough Council

Bedford Borough Council is facing a shortfall of nearly £2 million in planned savings, with more than half of the projects behind schedule, a new report shows. A report to the...

Services cuts still on the cards as Bedford Borough Council grapples with budget

Bedford Borough Council could reduce some services to minimum legal levels and increase charges as part of an “emergency” plan to stabilise its finances. The council’s...

Great Denham Golf Club demolition plans spark fears of wider redevelopment

Residents have objected to plans to demolish the former Great Denham Golf Club clubhouse and build up to five homes, warning the scheme could pave the way for wider redevelopment of the site...

Backlash against proposed all-night gambling venue in Bedford town centre

Concerns have been raised over plans to open a gambling venue which could operate 24 hours a day in Bedford’s town centre. Future Leisure Limited has applied for a premises licence...

Concerns over speculative planning applications as Local Plan 2050 is prepared

Concerns have been raised about speculative planning applications in Bedford borough while the council prepares a new Local Plan. The issue was discussed at a meeting...

Plans submitted to turn Grade II* listed house in Cardington into SEND school for 50 pupils

A Grade II* listed Cardington house could become a special educational needs (SEND) school after plans were submitted to Bedford Borough Council. The application proposes...

Get the latest Bedford news first

Subscribe to our free daily email for our lead story each morning before we publish it anywhere else, plus the key Bedford Borough headlines from the last 24 hours – without having to log into social media.