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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.

Central Bedfordshire Council forced to apologise for late school start decision

A local authority must apologise to a Central Bedfordshire parent for failing to make its own decision on her request to delay her summer-born child’s start at school, relying on headteachers...

New proposal for Podington nine-home development

Nine new homes could be built in Podington if a new proposal is accepted. A planning application has been submitted to Bedford Borough Council to build up to nine homes on land...

I’m not a “dead duck” says Bedfordshire PCC despite plans to abolish role by 2028

Bedfordshire’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) has rejected the idea that he is now a “dead duck” following the government’s decision to abolish PCCs by 2028...

Council declares “high street emergency” across Bedfordshire

Parts of Bedfordshire are facing a “high street emergency”, as businesses struggle to cope with economic challenges, a meeting heard. A motion was presented to a full Central...

Emotional debate sees councillors reject plans to overhaul Council Tax Reduction Scheme

Bedford borough councillors rejected plans to overhaul the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) after a heated and, at times, emotional debate. The Conservative administration’s proposed...

Deputy mayor says over-running meetings and political point-scoring shows “troubling disregard” for the electorate

A senior Bedford borough councillor has publicly apologised to residents and council officers following a Full Council meeting that “ran until midnight”, saying the way the meeting...

Councillors vote to create “strongest possible case” against EWR demolitions

Bedford borough councillors have voted to back a motion requiring the authority to build the strongest possible case against the demolition of homes threatened by East West Rail (EWR)...

Council’s “inward-looking culture” to blame for financial mess claims former employee

A former Bedford Borough Council employee has said an “inward-looking culture” is to blame for missing “significant opportunities to save millions of pounds that are now desperately needed...

Embankment right turn onto zebra crossing “an accident waiting to happen”

A Bedford Borough councillor has warned that a new pedestrian crossing on the town’s Embankment is “an accident waiting to happen”. At Wednesday’s Full Council meeting (26 November)...

Bedford Borough Council defends claims there has been “no visible activity” to improve adult social care

There has been “no visible activity” four months after the Local Government Ombudsman required improvements from Bedford Borough Council’s adult social care, according to a...

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