Funded by the BBC, this public service news agency is provided by the local news sector and used by qualifying partners.
A total of 165 reporters are allocated to news organisations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
At the County Press we have one LDR who covers IW Council and public bodies. His name is Rufus Pickles.
If you have any story tips that you think should be covered by the LDR, please email rufus.pickles@newsquest.co.uk
If you have any questions or feedback about the service, please email editor@iwcp.co.uk
The journalists are affiliated with various media organisations, from television and radio stations to online media companies and longstanding regional newspaper groups.
The primary role of Local Democracy Reporters is to cover local authorities and other public service organisations.
Reporters provide impartial coverage of the regular business and workings of local authorities in the UK, and other related democratic institutions.
This involves covering the decision-making process, such as what decisions are made in the public’s name, how they are reached, and what evidence is presented to the council.
In two-tier council areas, they cover district council affairs to ensure that significant decisions, such as planning, are reported.
However, national politics is out of scope, though election campaigns and constituency work of MPs, AMs, MSPs and MLAs that specifically relate to relevant local audiences may be covered.
Stories produced by the democracy reporters are shared with more than 1,100 media titles and outlets that have signed up to be part of the Local News Partnerships scheme.
To secure the democracy reporter contracts, news organisations had to meet strict criteria, including financial standing and a strong track record of relevant journalism in the area they were applying to cover.
The service functions like a franchise, with different companies adopting different approaches but following common editorial standards and all publishing into the same system.
Local Democracy Reporters report to the contract holder rather than the BBC or any other partner.
In the performance of their duties, Local Democracy Reporters shall endeavour to attend all meetings in person.
They may also provide other stories focused on local democracy and in the public interest, provided that such coverage does not detract from the core purpose of the service.
All their work must be available to all qualifying partners.
