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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.

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...

Council considers planning application for new house on patch of land in Goldington

Bedford Borough Council has received an application for Permission in Principle for a single dwelling house on land in Parklands, Brookfield Road, Bedford. The applicants said this land was...

Bedford Borough Council faces questions over £5.9m housing fund plans

Bedford Borough Council has not clarified how a £5.9 million housing grant,  which government guidance says forms part of a wider programme that includes Afghan resettlement, will be...

Dancebox set to take over part of former Beales building in Bedford Town Centre

Dancebox Studios & Theatre Works Ltd is set to take over part of Bedford’s former Beales building under council plans approved this week. An executive decision signed by the mayor...

Developer submits new plans and appeal after changes to 341-home scheme refused

A developer has submitted two new planning applications and lodged an appeal after Bedford Borough Council refused earlier changes to part of a 341-home scheme...

PCC says Bedfordshire Police still has outstanding areas for improvement from last inspection

Bedfordshire Police has yet to have all the areas for improvement highlighted by the force’s last inspection signed off by inspectors, the police and crime commissioner (PCC) has said...

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