Crackdown on councils over 'vanity PR'
12 April 2012
A crackdown on council newspapers, advertising and lobbying was launched today.
Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles issued new rules designed to stop taxpayers' money being used for political ends.
It follows a row with Labour-run Lambeth and Camden councils over posters which Whitehall sources described as "propaganda".
From April, ads must be balanced, accurate and not likely to be seen as a political statement or commentary on public policy. Council newspapers will be published only four times a year and it will be harder for councils to hire lobbyists.
