'YOUR SOMERSET' IS NOT A FREE PAPER

The Liberal Democrat publication, ‘Your Somerset’ is ripping off the taxpayer. This full-colour newspaper is designed, produced and distributed out of Council funds.

Conservatives voiced their concerns at the Council meeting on 17 April, about the need and cost effectiveness of this newspaper.

Many residents have expressed their disquiet over the incessant bombardment of needless information. Three editions have been produced to date, costing in the region of £70,000.

Despite high costs, distribution is poor. 20% of homes - especially in the rural areas - are not receiving copies.

The ruling Liberal Democrat councillors declared their satisfaction of the quality and content of 'Your Somerset'. When asked why certain departments within the County Council continue to put out their own publications, the following response was given by Paddy Macmaster: ‘it was never the intention that ‘Your Somerset’ should reduce the output of publications.’

John Smeaton, Conservative Group Leader, later commented ‘Lib Dems have done a U-turn. Primarily, the justification for setting up “Your Somerset” was to cut out the constant flow of paper from the council by concentrating information in one publication. Secondly, why produce it if it was never intended to save money?

‘Conservatives are determined to find out if it is necessary to publish all these particulars. We will discover the real costs, and urge more cost-effective ways of delivering this information. We need a cheaper and more effective approach. Why not include advertising to cut the cost?

‘I question the need for this publication at all. On every page, we see Lib Dem councillors, self-congratulating. Why should the Somerset taxpayer fund this sort of party propaganda?

‘’The Conservatives see little point in producing a newspaper which is not wanted and is not read.

‘If the Liberal Democrats feel the need to put out this sort of publication, in order to counter-balance their poor-performance on the ground, they should do so out of party funds. The bill for political advertising should not be placed on the doorstep of the council tax payer.’