Tighter rules on local authority publications state that

” the new rules would define ‘appropriate use of publicity’ in relation to council newspapers and use of lobbyists: Advertising should be balanced, factually accurate and not likely to be perceived by the public as a political statement or a commentary on contentious areas of public policy.”

In the current edition of its online newspaper for councillors, the Knowledge, there is an article about “The Earth Centre” at Bicton which states: “The Earth Centre at Bicton College offers a unique event, conferencing and meeting venue located in the
heart of the beautiful East Devon countryside but within a short distance of Exeter. The venue acts as an 80 seat auditorium, 50 seat seminar room with external breakout area, or an open space to use as you please. It also has an additional private meeting room for up to 12 people, free car parking facilities for 60 vehicles, catering facilities, WIFI, audio and projector screens”.

Did they pay for this puff job one wonders? Isn’t the Bicton area, much of it owned by Clinton Devon Estates which wants to see housing there, a “contentious area of public policy”?

Or is it a pre-emptive strike for another East Devon District Council satellite office!