Laura Sharman 30 March 2015

Council newspaper ban to go to High Court

The Government is to take Greenwich LBC to the High Court for failing to comply with an order to stop publishing its weekly newspaper.

The council was issued with a direction earlier this month to publish Greenwich Time no more than four times a year. In response, the council said it was taking legal action over the decision arguing the newspaper reduced costs for taxpayers.

Local government minister, Kris Hopkins, said the Government was now taking the case to court to force the council to comply with the direction.

Mr Hopkins said: ‘It is disappointing that Greenwich council has refused to comply with our direction to stop the weekly publication of its municipal newspaper.

‘Consequently, the secretary of state has initiated proceedings in the High Court against the council to enforce that direction.’

A Royal Borough of Greenwich spokesperson said: 'The council can confirm that on 27 March 2015 it was advised that the secretary of state had applied to judicially review the council’s decision not to comply with the Direction he had issued to limit the publication of our council newspaper to no more than four times a year.

'The council had previously notified the secretary of state on 24 March 2015 that it believed his Direction was unlawful and that the council intended to challenge it by way of judicial review.'

The spokesperson added: 'The council uses Greenwich Time to place statutory notices and to tell residents about essential services, housing and jobs because it offers by far the best value to residents. This has been confirmed by a recent procurement process which invited bids from local newspapers in relation to our advertising and found that we would have to pay more for less.

'Our decision is therefore driven by how we can best serve our residents and save money on their behalf, at a time when our budgets are severely threatened by cuts. We are being told by Government to find whatever savings we can then it directs us to spend the equivalent of £2.31 more per household in the borough – making it even harder for us to keep freezing council tax and protect essential services.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Registered Building Inspector (Band 2/Grade 7)

Health and Safety Executive
£60,760 - £65,776
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is transforming building safety regulation across England. United Kingdom / various Locations
Recuriter: Health and Safety Executive

Revenues and Recovery Team Leader

Ashfield District Council
£37,938 - £40,476 per annum (pay award pending)
We have an exciting opportunity for a Revenues and Recovery Team Leader Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Housing Options Officer

Ashfield District Council
£31,067 - £33,366 per annum (pay award pending)
Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of residents in housing need? Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Building Services Operative

Ashfield District Council
£25,584 - £27,269 per annum (pay award pending)
The Facilities team are looking to recruit an enthusiastic individual Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Street Cleansing Technician (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 5, £24,397 per annum (pay award pending)
Do you enjoy working outside, as part of a team that make a direct difference to the communities of Doncaster? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner