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May 9, 2013

Bill in Queen’s Speech to outlaw remaining local authority-run newspapers

By Press Gazette

The Government has promised legislation to clamp down on the remaining local authority-run newspapers.

The Local Audit and Accountaility Bill, unveiled as part of yesterday’s Queen’s Speech, includes a clause which will put the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity on a legal footing.

That code, outlined in 2011, limits the frequency of council-run newspapers to quarterly (except in the case of monthly magazines produced by parish councils).

While most local authorities adhere to the code, a handful continue to publish subsidised newspapers which compete for advertising with commercially-run titles.

These have been condemned as “town hall Pravdas” which are used as propaganda vehicles by local authorities without providing the scrutiny which commercially-run local newspaper provide.

Commenting on the Bill, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: “This government is reining in the quango state, saving taxpayers’ money and giving more power to local people. This bill extends the government’s localism agenda – ensuring robust scrutiny of council spending, strengthening the role of direct democracy and protecting an independent free press.”

Tower Hamlets continues to run a weekly newspaper called East End Life in direct competition with Archant’s East London Advertiser.

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In March Press Gazette reported how an press officers had contacted councillors asking them to change quotes used in an East End Life report of a council debate.

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

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