Dan Peters 14 June 2019

Council to appeal 'town hall Pravdas' ruling

Waltham Forest LBC will appeal after a judge backed Government attempts to stop it publishing a council newspaper every two weeks.

Councils have resisted Government guidelines that recommend councils should not publish newspapers more than four times a year.

The guidelines were introduced by then local government secretary, Eric Pickles, who repeatedly hit out at what he called ‘town hall Pravdas’.

Local authorities have argued that allowing them to continue publishing fortnightly would save the £68m they spend to comply with rules that require them to publish statutory notices in a newspaper.

A Waltham Forest spokesman said: ‘Waltham Forest News was our way of complying that also helps us communicate with all our residents, particularly those who are hardest to reach or who don’t have regular internet access.

'These are often the people most in need of help from our services.

‘We know that our residents appreciate a newspaper that champions both the people and the area, giving every household a vital guide to what’s on and what’s great about Waltham Forest.’

Hackney LBC, which brought the judicial review together with Waltham Forest, said it was ‘considering its legal options and has reserved its right to appeal’.

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Principal Lawyer - Planning and Highways

LocalGovJobs Legal
£51,356 to £56,494
Do you want to make a difference to local people? Huddersfield, West Yorkshire / surrounding area
Recuriter: LocalGovJobs Legal

Senior Lawyer - Safeguarding Children or Adults

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£41,771 to £50,269
Candidates may specify whether they are seeking an adult service role or children’s focus role Huddersfield, West Yorkshire / hybrid
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Principal Lawyer Litigation and Housing

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£51,356 to £56,494
We are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking Lawyer to take on a leadership role within our Litigation and Housing Team. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Group Leader- Planning Policy and Strategy

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£54,495 to £58,462
Do you want to lead the Councils next Local Plan production? Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Maintenance Operative

North Yorkshire Council
£25,620 – £38,220
Are you a builder, labourer, or tradesperson looking to advance your career in repairs? Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner