Eric Pickles has been fighting councils who publish newspapers to celebrate their
exploits. The government has used a combination of political pressure and
legislation to curtail these ‘Pravdas’. Most offending councils
have maintained their resistance, but Lambeth has relented. Its freesheet, Lambeth Life, cost £500,000 to produce last year. The Spectator submitted freedom of information requests to examine
the paper’s accounts and a list of staff. Lambeth’s FoI officers replied:
‘4 people used to work on the Lambeth Life newspaper, an editor, journalist, sales manager and a designer. Although due to changes in the publicity code for local Government, the paper is ceased to print in March.’
It’s a small but welcome victory – proof that the government can embarrass or force politicking councils into prudence. Pickles needs to keep the boot to the throats of recalcitrant councils, especially Conservative-run councils such as Kensington and Chelsea and West Sussex whose free newspapers cost £68,000 and £100,000 last year respectively.
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