DCLG warns seven councils over compliance with publicity code

The Department for Communities and Local Government has demanded that seven councils bring their publication of newssheets into line with its code of practice on local authority publicity.

In a letter to the authorities – Enfield, Hillingdon, Lambeth, Luton, Medway, Mid Devon and North Somerset – Local Government Minister Kris Hopkins called for an explanation within ten working days of what the councils plan to do.

All seven are accused of publishing more frequently than the Publicity Code allows.

The letters warn the councils that an authority can be directed to comply with the rules set out in the code. They also state that where the Communities Secretary considers there is a risk that in future a council will not be complying with those rules, he would be minded, in accordance with the relevant statute, to issue a written notice of a proposed direction.

“Any council that does not follow such a direction could end up facing a court order requiring compliance,” the DCLG said.

Hopkins said: “It has been suggested that some councils might not be complying with the Publicity Code. Newsletters, newssheets or similar communications should not issue more frequently than quarterly.

“The great majority of local authorities comply with the Publicity Code, which was designed to ensure the independent local media - a vital part in any local democracy - does not face unfair competition.”

In April the DCLG wrote to five councils – Hackney, Newham, Greenwich, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest – requiring them to fall into line with the code.