It looks like the new – coalition run – York Council plans to continue the funding of a Civic newspaper.

“Our City” is delivered free of charge to local homes although anecdotal evidence suggests that not every house gets one.

The publication is also available on line (click here)

Much of the information included in the latest edition has been available via social and commercial media for several weeks and we really do doubt the priority of spending tens of thousands of pounds of taxpayers money on a publication which combines the anodyne with the partisan.

Put simply, there are higher priorities for the use of taxpayers money.  Even the most cursory of glances around many streets will reveal that public services need to enjoy as large a share of the Councils budget as possible.

The Council should improve the amount and accessibility of the information that it provides using free social media channels along with passive options such as notice boards, the Press and local radio.

Good ward Councillors will regard it as one of their duties to fund and deliver information to the people that they represent.

In that respect, all LibDem Councillors produce regular Focus newsletters which are paid for by voluntary donations while maintaining web pages like this one which are updated each day.