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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.

Mayor Tom Wootton loses council no-confidence vote

Bedford Borough councillors voted 28 to 12 in favour of a cross-party motion calling for the resignation of Mayor Tom Wootton, who insists he will remain in office until next year's elections...

Council asked to decide if 570-home Clapham plan needs full environmental assessment

A developer has asked Bedford Borough Council to decide whether a proposed development of up to 570 homes north of Clapham requires a full Environmental Impact Assessment...

Housing plans for former Stagsden pub resubmitted after appeal defeat

Plans to convert the former Royal George pub in Stagsden into housing have been resubmitted, with residents continuing to object to the loss of the village pub. The application seeks permission...

Fears grow for future of Riseley Community First Responders

Riseley Parish Council has raised concerns about the future viability of its Community First Responder group amid fears that changes to emergency communications could affect volunteers...

Borough Council faces questions over school holiday food support

A dispute has emerged at Bedford Borough Council over support for families during school holidays, with opposition councillors calling for the return of free school meal vouchers...

Northampton MP presses ministers for East West Rail link to Universal

Northampton South MP Mike Reader has launched a campaign for direct rail services to the planned Universal resort, arguing the town should not miss out on the opportunities the project will bring...

Kempston health centre plans remain dependent on funding despite years of work

Plans for a new Kempston health centre remain dependent on funding despite years of preparatory work, with NHS leaders warning current capital funding falls well short of the scheme’s estimated cost...

More than half of Bedford’s rough sleepers spending over 10 nights on the streets

A Bedford Borough Council report has revealed an increase in long-term rough sleeping, with more than half of rough sleepers now spending more than 10 nights on the streets...

Nine in 10 households seeking help from Bedford council are already homeless

A Bedford Borough Council report reveals that 92% of households seeking housing assistance are already homeless by the time they first contact the authority. A briefing for the Housing Committee...

Home Office urged to help as Yarl’s Wood cases increase demand on children’s services

Bedford Borough Council has raised concerns with the Home Office over the impact of referrals linked to people detained at Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre whose...

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