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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.

Bedford councillors to decide on town centre gambling venue plans

Bedford Borough councillors will decide next week whether to approve plans for a new adult gaming centre in Silver Street which could operate 24 hours a day. A licensing sub-committee will meet...

Respected senior councillor quits Mayor Wootton’s cabinet with immediate effect

Senior Conservative councillor Robert Rigby has resigned from Bedford Borough Council’s cabinet, citing concerns over Mayor Tom Wootton’s leadership. Cllr Rigby, who represents...

Councillors approve coffee drive-thru despite Fairhill traffic concerns

Plans for a new drive-thru coffee shop near Bedford’s Fairhill roundabout were approved despite concerns about congestion at the busy junction. Councillors on Bedford...

Bedford Borough’s Local Plan still valid despite housing supply shortfall, councillors told

Bedford Borough Council’s inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply does not mean its Local Plan is “obsolete” – but it can weaken some housing policies used...

Plans for up to 1,000 homes at Bedford gasholders site move forward

Plans for up to 1,000 homes on Bedford’s former Ford End Road gasholders site have moved forward as developers seek a ruling on environmental assessment requirements...

Independent panel raises alarm over pace of Bedford council recovery plan

An independent panel has warned Bedford Borough Council its recovery plans show an “optimism bias”, calling for faster delivery and stronger financial management. Yesterday’s Finance and...

Bedfordshire Hospitals says Palantir-linked NHS platform only used for costing pilot

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust says its only current use of the Palantir-linked NHS Federated Data Platform is a national costing pilot and that no changes have been...

New Bedford council speaker calls for respectful debate in election year

Councillor Tim Caswell has been appointed speaker of Bedford Borough Council, using his acceptance speech to call for respectful debate during the election year. In his acceptance speech...

Planning officers say no evidence yet for enforcement action on Wilstead site

Residents challenged planning officers at a packed Wilstead Parish Council meeting after works on land near the A6 sparked concerns about possible unauthorised development...

Mayor warns Bedford faces ‘horrid’ disruption during East West Rail construction

Bedford’s mayor has warned the town could face significant disruption during the construction of East West Rail, as the project’s promoters defended the benefits of the route through the borough...

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