Local Government Act 1988

27 Local authority publicity

(1) In section 2 of the [1986 c. 10.] Local Government Act 1986 (prohibition of political publicity by local authorities), for subsection (2) (matters to be considered in determining whether material prohibited) there shall be substituted—

“(2) In determining whether material falls within the prohibition regard shall be had to the content and style of the material, the time and other circumstances of publication and the likely effect on those to whom it is directed and, in particular, to the following matters—

(a) whether the material refers to a political party or to persons identified with a political party or promotes or opposes a point of view on a question of political controversy which is identifiable as the view of one political party and not of another;

(b) where the material is part of a campaign, the effect which the campaign appears to be designed to achieve.”

(2) In section 4 of that Act (issue by Secretary of State of codes of recommended practice on publicity), in subsection (1) for the words from “for the guidance” to the end there shall be substituted “; and local authorities shall have regard to the provisions of any such code in coming to any decision on publicity.”

(3) This section shall come into force at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.