NMA: Public Notices Must Stay In Local Newspapers
The News Media Association has stressed the need for public notices to stay in printed local newspapers after major reforms to the planning system were trailed in Queen’s Speech earlier this week.
A summary of forthcoming legislation said the Planning Bill, reportedly expected in the autumn, said the planning system would be digitised “to make it more visual and easier for local people to meaningfully engage with.”
The NMA and its local memebrs are working on a new project to increase digital engagement with public notices by creating an industry digital portal for public notices including planning and traffic regulation orders, published right across the country.
Public Notices: Government Restates Commitment To Consider Impact On Local Newspapers Â
The Government is “mindful” of the impact that changes to the public notices regime may have on local democracy and local newspapers which will be considered before any decisions are taken, John Whittingdale has said.
Restating Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden’s commitment to work to protect the vital revenues from public notices which fund local journalism, Minister for Media and Data Mr Whittingdale said their removal would do “serious damage” to the sector.
Responding to a Parliamentary question from Stella Creasy, Labour MP for Walthamstow, Mr Whittingdale said: We are mindful of the potential impact that any changes to the requirements might have on transparency and local democracy, as well as the potential effect on local newspaper revenue.