Javid issues directions requiring two councils to cut frequency of newspapers

The Communities Secretary has issued directions to two London boroughs requiring them to stop publishing their newspapers so frequently, “or risk court action”.

The Department for Communities and Local Government said Hackney and Waltham Forest Councils were currently publishing their respective newspapers on a fortnightly basis despite the Recommended code of practice for local authority publicity recommending that councils do not put out a newspaper more than quarterly.

The DCLG insisted that ensuring council newspapers were released no more than quarterly aimed to protect local democracy by making sure the independent local press did not face unfair competition.

The two councils have previously received written notices on the issue.

Once a direction has been issued the council concerned is required to take the necessary decision to comply within 14 days or could face court action.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said: “An independent free press is vital for local democracy and it’s important that we support them in holding local leaders to account.

“Councils shouldn’t undermine local democracy by publishing their own newspapers more often than quarterly.

“While the majority of councils abide by the Publicity Code, Hackney and Waltham Forest have ignored repeated requests to stop publishing their council newspapers so frequently. In the interests of local democracy, I will therefore use my powers to require them to do so.”