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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.

New committee will oversee council’s Improvement Plan and savings programme

Bedford Borough Council is set to establish a new committee to oversee the delivery of its Improvement Plan and savings programme. The Finance and Improvement Committee will hold its first...

Councillor warns retrospective planning must not reward non-compliance as Kempston car dealership rejected

Bedford Borough Council has refused retrospective planning permission for a used car dealership operating from a former commercial unit in Kempston, after councillors said the access...

Decision on Oakley Pre-School play hours deferred for site visit

A decision on extending outdoor play hours at an Oakley pre-school has been deferred after councillors voted to carry out a site visit before making a ruling. Bedford Borough Council’s planning committee...

Council plan to save up to £60million on adult services costs over next four years

Bedford Borough Council is pursuing a transformation programme in Adult Services that could generate between £42 million and £60 million in savings over four years, councillors were...

Kempston MOT centre plans rejected after local objections

Borough councillors have refused plans to turn a former car sales site in Park Road, Kempston, into an MOT centre after residents warned it would worsen congestion and harm the character...

Crowe Road rising service charge concerns residents

Residents on the Crowe Road estate in Queens Park say they feel their concerns about rising service charges have been given national attention after the issue was raised in Parliament. The Crowe Road...

Removal of Bedford’s mayor could cost taxpayers an estimated £350,000

Removing Bedford’s mayor from office would cost local taxpayers an estimated £350,000, according to Bedford Borough Council, as opposition groups step up pressure on Tom Wootton to resign...

Planning for 93 homes in Bromham submitted for third time in nine years

Plans for up to 93 homes on land north of Lower Farm Road in Bromham have been resubmitted to Bedford Borough Council. The outline application, submitted on behalf of Kler Group...

Council launches public consultation on Housing Allocations Scheme

Bedford Borough Council has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to the borough’s Housing Allocations Scheme, which sets out how applicants are assessed and...

Council accused of being “out of its depth” over station Uber pick-ups

Hackney carriage drivers have claimed Bedford council is “out of its depth” over private hire vehicle activity at Bedford Midland Station. Licensed taxi drivers claim app-based private hire...

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