PUBLICITY AND THE LOCAL ELECTIONS
Council staff need to be aware that there are special rules that apply to the issue of "publicity" during the period between the Notice of Election (27 March 2008) and the local elections (1 May 2008). The Council is prohibited by law from issuing publicity at any time that "appears to be designed to affect public support for a political party". An objective test is applied, so the intention behind the publicity is not relevant. "Publicity" is widely defined to include any communication to the general public, or a section of the public. The definition is wide enough to include the staging of events, and the provision of "platforms" for politicians. The Council is required to have regard to the Code of Recommended Practice of Publicity, approved by Parliament. The Code is available here. During the period, there should be no publicity issued by the Council about controversial issues or which report views, recommendations or proposals in a way that identifies them with individual members or political groups. The Council can, however, legitimately respond to events and enquiries in a factual and non party political way. Also, if there is an emergency, or a genuine need for a Member level response to something that is outside the Council's control, then such a response can be provided, in the public interest. The main effect during the election period is that we need to suspend our usual practice of attributing quotes to Executive Members in press releases, other than in the exceptional circumstances set out above. Similarly we have to avoid attributing views, proposals and recommendations to any particular member or group, and steer clear of controversial issues altogether, unless they can be handled in a way that avoids a personal or party political dimension. Publications and leaflets addressed to the general public or a section of the public should observe the same restrictions. Proactive events should not be arranged in this period if they provide politicians with a platform to communicate with the public that would not otherwise be available to them. Further guidance can be obtained from Beverley Dunn, Director of Legal and Democratic Services, (ext. 4215).
BOOKSTART COMMENDED
Bookstart in Trafford has been cited as an example of good practice, having one of the highest distribution figures in the North West. Bookstart in Trafford owes its success to the commitment and hard work of all the Partners involved in its delivery - Trafford PCT, our Children's Centres, Trafford Library Service and Community Learning and Education. Trafford Bookstart has a strategic steering group that is invaluable to its success. The Trafford Co-ordinator has been invited to give a presentation to other Bookstart schemes in the North West to emphasize the importance of having a steering group which forms strong links with other agencies.
Chris Pratt Corporate Director Trafford Children and Young People's Service
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