07.10.13
LGA accuses Government of wanting to ban council campaigns
Government proposals to turn guidance for councils on their campaigning activities into proper legislation are being opposed by the LGA, which says it will stop local authorities campaigning for their residents.
If the Local Authority Publicity Code is included in the Local Audit and Accountability Bill as proposed, the LGA says, council campaigns “driven by local opinion and often run in partnership with community groups”, could be banned. This would pose “a real threat to local democracy”, the organisation said, based on independent legal advice.
It gave the example of council campaigns on HS2, large housing developments, cuts to police and fire services, hospital closures and the proliferation of betting shops.
LGA chairman Sir Merrick Cockell said: “Councils have a legitimate, local, democratic mandate. They have a proud history of campaigning on behalf of their residents who rightly look to them to unite communities and stand up for their best interests. That might often be inconvenient for central government, but a community being able to fight for or against unpopular or controversial proposals affecting their area is a key part of democracy.
“This independent legal advice also confirms our fears that a Government could hand power to one individual in Whitehall to restrict councils from campaigning on important issues such as HS2 or hospital closures if they so wish.
“To simply make it easier for Government to ignore the views of communities is unacceptable, sets a dangerous precedent and will mean local areas and residents will suffer as a result.
“The Government needs to see sense and withdraw these ill-thought out proposals. Councils must retain the ability to communicate its views to its residents and not be stifled from commenting on central Government policy.”
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