Luton has a population of [http://www.luton.gov.uk/internet/social_issues/Population_and_migration 184,000]. In 1996 the town became a [[unitary authority]] area: although geographically part of the county of Bedfordshire, for administrative purposes it is independent. | Luton has a population of [http://www.luton.gov.uk/internet/social_issues/Population_and_migration 184,000]. In 1996 the town became a [[unitary authority]] area: although geographically part of the county of Bedfordshire, for administrative purposes it is independent. |