Pickles’ pledge to curb council 'propaganda newspapers'

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles is proposing a new law which he says will “enshrine a free press” and help local news to thrive.

The legislation will prevent local councils regularly publishing what he calls “Pravda-style” propaganda newspapers.

Rochdale Council's now defunct 'Local Matters' and the recent 'Rochdale On The Rise' newspaper, which was delivered to around 20,000 local homes, are designed to reflect on the council in the best possible light.

Mr Pickles claims such propaganda sheets wastes taxpayers’ money and threatens the viability of local news organisations.

Mr Pickles said the 1,100 local newspapers across the country are important for preserving a healthy democracy by holding local authorities and politicians to account. 

But the legislation won’t ban council newspapers entirely: the proposals will merely limit councils to four editions a year.