SNP plans for Councils to move from local press to online

[Kintyre Forum News]

Has anyone any views on the the SNP's plans to allow councils to no longer publish public notices in newspapers and instead pit then online?

Scttish Councils have been pushing for the move after they formed a "public information portal". John Swinney, the SNP finance secretary claims the move would save councils £6 million which could be reinvested into frontline services.

In a statement, he said: "Public bodies must provide the best value for money. Councils have collectively identified a need to cut spending on public notices which they are legally required to advertise and pay for, costing around £6m a year.
"The changes we are consulting on will mean councils can use a new public information notice portal instead of advertising in local papers. The new portal will provide more cost-effective public information and a means to improve communication and dialogue with the public."

The website will publish information notices from across Scotland in one central repository meaning that informationwill no longer need to be advertised in the press including statutory notices about construction and licensing and public notices such as changes to refuse collection.

Kintyre Forum News, 14th January 2010

[D.H]

I think this would not work for many of our older residents who have never used computers but still get the local paper, or people who cannot afford a PC, telephone line and Internet connection.

However, it would be great to get community portal PCs in villages and towns that would act as information points to make it easier to access info about the Council and its activities, like they have in some places. Although the Council's website is extremely difficult to use and I frequently cannot find basic information which should be there. The physical portals could also have info on the Govt, etc. and have direct links to our representatives in the UK and Europe.

To do away with newspaper adverts may also be the tipping point that stops local papers if they cannot get this regular revenue from the Council, which would affect other groups, too.

[Tom B]

I think he's right. Pages and pages of notices of road closures etc which I'm sure nobody reads and which must cost taxpayers a fortune. Anyone interested will still be able to find the information. I'm all for supporting local press, but not in this way, innovative media groups moving online etc will benefit in any case.

When we wanted to close the esplanade for a few hours for a local event a few years ago, we were quoted £750 which was prohibitive, and most of the cost apparently was for public notices in papers etc. Well done to the SNP for making changes to the status quo! - what's next.....?

[sooze]

I know many people do not read the public notices - especially as the print is not only small but usually faded. HOWEVER transferring to online is not fair either as not everyone has access to the internet and the Argyll & Bute Council website is a nightmare already.

Perhaps the amount of info to be put in the press could be cut down thus reducing cost and people could be directed to either a site or person/place for futher info.


sooze

[mrn]

I think the proposals make sense. It would be interesting to know just how much money is spent each year and if this could be reduced.