Website of the UK government

Consultation on local councils' Publicity Code

Council freesheets: what are your views?

• Local Authority Publicity: Consultation on Code of Recommended Practice Opens new window

The government is consulting on a new Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity. Local councils often produce free printed publications to keep people informed about local council news in their area.

Councils would need to comply with the revised 'Publicity Code' when circulating such publications. Under the proposed new code:

• local council publications (or 'newspapers') could not be published more than four times a year
  
• local council publications would be limited to covering content directly related to the council's services
  
• new guidelines would be introduced to ensure that council publicity is lawful, cost-effective, objective, even-handed and appropriate
  
• council publicity would need to have regard to equality and diversity
  
• during periods of heightened sensitivity, council publicity would need to be issued with care

The proposed code would also prevent the use of lobbyists with the aim of influencing local people on political issues.

To take part in the consultation, follow the link below.

• Local Authority Publicity: Consultation on Code of Recommended Practice Opens new window

Further information

• Your local council and Council Tax

• Your neighbourhood, roads and streets

• Council and housing association homes

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