Taxpayer-funded magazine is "blatant political propaganda", say LibDems
March 26, 2007 8:05 PM
Westminster LibDems are asking how much it all costs
Local Liberal Democrats are demanding to know how much taxpayers' money the Council spends on its Westminster Reporter magazine, which they are condemning as "blatant political propaganda".
Local LibDem Mark Blackburn said:
"Take the current issue. There on the front page is the boast, 'Council tax rise among the lowest in the country'. This is repeated inside. Yet Westminster's Council Tax rise was only the 10th lowest set by London's 32 local authorities, let alone the rest of the country. To call that rise 'among the lowest in the country' is just not true.
"What's worst of all is that this publication is paid for by the taxpayer. We are all paying through our taxes for the Tories to get a free party-political leaflet delivered to voters across the area.
"The Council could easily produce a regular informative newsletter for all residents that doesn't contain any of these pathetic party political messages."
Mark, who is the Liberal Democrat candidate in the upcoming Council by-election in Westminster's Abbey Road ward, continued:
"Inside the magazine there is a big photo of the St John's Wood High Street sign and lots about a facelift it was given last year. That's convenient for the Conservatives when there is a by-election nearby in the coming weeks."
He continued, "As they seem to be using Council facilities and publications for spreading their message, there's no need to spend their own money - the Westminster Conservative website's most recent article was added on 4th May 2006!"
The Liberal Democrats have submitted to the Council a request under the Freedom of Information Act asking how much has been spent on Westminster Reporter magazines over recent years.
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