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The recently-published publicity code for local authorities raises interesting questions for councils when they are seeking to represent their communities. While many parts of the code seem reasonable, it does appear that councils should not take part in campaigns. This could be incongruous with many aspects of the localism agenda, and is certainly at variance with the rules for central government. Paul Lankester is chief executive of Stratford-upon-Avon DC As an example, the recently-published proposals on the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail link impact on several communities in Stratford on Avon District – and many other council areas. HS2 is a planned high-speed railway between London and the Midlands, the North of England, and potentially at a later stage, the central belt of Scotland. Irrespective of any personal views on the merits of the overall HS2 project, the secretary of state for transport has stated that ‘there is no benefit for the people of Warwickshire'. This is a view which is passionately held by affected residents, with many contending that HS2 will cause significant environmental harm, as well. Residents expect their local council to support them in their campaign to stop this development, but if this is prohibited by the publicity code, it might cause local difficulties. Remaining objective may be hard for councils, when they are clearly opposed to a major scheme, but time will tell how well we do this. Whatever apparent inconsistency there may be between the Government's stance in the code and local government's ability to campaign, it must be confusing to the electorate to see any difference in approach. Dealing with such seemingly-inexplicable differences are commonplace in district councils, and perhaps new terms can be developed which mean representing residents' views over a long period of time does not amount to a campaign. It must surely be the case that councils and councillors can raise a concerted objection to any scheme, which leaves a legacy of environmental harm for generations to come, or lobby for infrastructure that will improve any community's quality of life. This is what local government has done successfully in the past, and surely underpins any concept of localism. Only time will tell whether this remains a core activity for councils, but certainly, many people will be expecting this advocacy role to continue. Paul Lankester is chief executive of Stratford on Avon DC

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WHITEHALL

District View

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