Row Over Council’s New Newsletter

A row has broken out over Harborough District Council’s decision to deliver a newsletter to every household.

The project is costing £11,000 and the ruling coalition administration says issuing the leaflet to over 44,000 homes will help get information to more residents, especially those who do not have access to the internet.

But opposition Conservative councillors question whether the money could have been better spent elsewhere.

Cllr Simon Whelband spoke to HFM:

Cabinet members with copies of the new residents’ hardcopy newsletter

The four-page, A4 newsletter includes information about council initiatives, how residents can have their say on services and details including how to check eligibility for Pension Credit, which in turn will ensure eligible residents continue to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

The council says the cost of design, print and distribution of the hard copy newsletter equates to just under 25p per household and it is printed on paper that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), with sustainability, quality and cost factored into selecting the paper stock.

Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of the Council, has hit back at the criticism and says it is money well spent: