Policies

North Somercotes Parish Council

Press and Media Policy

Adopted by Resolution of the Council on 27 September 2011

• The Council believes in presenting an image of honesty, openness, accountability and responsibility in all dealings with the press and media.
• The Council will endeavour to respond to all enquiries quickly and effectively with an initial acknowledgement within 24 hours. If extensive liaison is required, we will endeavour to supply information (where at all possible) as quickly as possible.
• Information will be made available to the press and media under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, to inform them about the work of the Council and to increase awareness and knowledge of our work within the community.
• In the event of the press or media approaching any member of the Council on any matter, they should be referred to the Clerk and Proper Officer who will provide comments or a statement following consultation with the Chairman, or in his/her absence, the Vice Chairman and if required the full Council. Where an enquiry relates to an individual Councillor the Clerk and Proper Officer will also consult the person concerned.
• Any statement or disclosures to the press initiated by a Councillor acting in an official capacity must be agreed beforehand in consultation with the Chairman and Proper Officer and if required, the full Council. Councillors may speak to the press on any matter in the public domain, but should make it clear that they are speaking as a private individual where the content or matter being commented on has not been agreed with the Chairman or full Council beforehand, as noted above.

Sheila Pearce
Clerk and RFO
17 August 2011

North Somercotes Parish Council
Arden House, Keeling St, North Somercotes, Louth, Lincs, LN11 7QU
01507 359282 - nspcpearce@btinternet.com