Local Matters scrapped

Local Matters - Council 'Magazine'

It was announced at a full council meeting held tonight that the council produced magazine ‘Local Matters’ will be scrapped.

The Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Ashley Dearnley stated that: “Local Matters will not be produced in the future and neither will any other magazines.”

Councillor Dearnley also outlined that a report would be going to the Cabinet to have a "serious look at the communications team" at the council.

This decision comes less than a month after Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles announced a toughening up of rules governing taxpayer-funded council newspapers and magazines.

The overall goal of Mr Pickles plan is to ensure a robust and healthy independent local media can continue to scrutinise the activities of local councils.

In June Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles said: "The previous Government's weakening of the rules on town hall publicity not only wasted taxpayers' money and added to the wave of junk mail, but has undermined a free press.

"Councils should spend less time and money on weekly town hall Pravdas that end up in the bin, and focus more on frontline services like providing regular rubbish collections."