Local authority publicity code

The government is consulting on a new Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity (‘the Publicity Code’) that authorities have to have regard to. The proposed new code will be underpinned by 7 guiding principles.

To give effect to the government’s commitment to stop unfair competition by local authority newspapers, the proposed new Code now contains specific guidance on the frequency, content and appearance of local authority newspapers or magazines. It also proposes to prohibit the use of lobbyists where the expenditure is intended to influence local people on political issues.