Pickles’ pledge to local papers

COMMUNITIES Secretary Eric Pickles is proposing a new law which he says will “enshrine a free press” and help local newspapers to thrive.

The legislation will prevent local councils publishing what he calls “Pravda-style” propaganda newspapers designed to reflect on the council in the best possible light, and which he claims threatens local newspapers and wastes taxpayers’ money.

Mr Pickles said the 1,100 local newspapers across the country are important for preserving a healthy democracy by holding local authorities and politicians to account. Local papers are read by over 30 million people a week and viewed as one of the most trustworthy sections of the media.

But the legislation won’t ban council newspapers entirely: the proposals will merely limit councils to to four editions a year.