MPs examine the Code of Practice on Local Authority Publicity

• Communities and Local Government Committee
• Watch the meeting: Local Authority Publications

This inquiry will examine whether the seven principles set out in the Code of Recommended Practice encompass the full scope of guidance required by local authorities.

Likewise it will consider the key issues, which the new Code seeks to address, including whether it will curb the inappropriate use of lobbyists and stop unfair competition by local authority newspapers. Whilst enabling local authorities to provide their communities with the information local people need at any time about vital public services and local decision making.

The Communities and Local Government Committee has agreed to undertake a short inquiry into the scope of the new Code and examine its impact on all tiers of local government.

Rather than inviting written evidence, the Committee has been able to review the submissions made to the Ministry in response to its consultation paper.

Witnesses

Monday 6th December, Grimond Room, Portcullis House

At 4.20pm

• Cllr Richard Kemp, Vice-Chair of the LGA and Leader of the LGA Liberal Democrat Group
• Jules Pipe, Mayor of Hackney and Chair, London Councils
• John Findlay, Chief Executive, National Association of Local Councils

At 5.00pm

• Lynne Anderson, Communications Director, The Newspaper Society
  and Simon Edgley Managing Director Trinity Mirror Southern 
• Jeremy Dear - General Secretary, National Union of Journalists
• Roy Greenslade -  Professor of journalism, City University, London and media commentator  

At 5.40pm

• Grant Shapps MP, Minister for Local Government

Further information

• About Parliament: Select Committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch Committees