Government to review publication of statutory notices

The changes are part of new 'local media strategy' that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is pursuing, which also includes more funding for local news provision.

The Government said it plans to conduct a review of the statutory requirements on local councils to publish decisions on planning, road management and alcohol licensing in light of concerns over whether print newspapers are still an effective means of raising public awareness of this information.

Announcing the changes, DCMS said: "Recognising calls for greater digitalisation of statutory notice requirements, a public consultation will be launched to understand how statutory notices can best work for communities and effective journalistic scrutiny."

The Government meanwhile said that the regional media forum would explore ways to improve the relationship between journalists and local public services.

It also said the forum would aim to stimulate generation of public interest news and scrutiny of local decision-making. 

Local media outlets in print, online, radio or TV will be able to bid for grants to support their financial sustainability and transition to online-focussed business models under a new multi-year 'Local News Fund' worth up to £12m over the next two years.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the strategy was the start of a "new approach" to local media, adding: "Because local media was and always has been a ladder of opportunity to help new voices break into journalism. This is not a nice to have.

"It is essential to a cohesive country. Our debate is too narrow and too small. We will change that. The strategy we publish today is the start – not the end point – and we recognise there is more to do."

Adam Carey