Agenda Item No. 8

 

THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN COUNCIL

 

CABINET MEETING: NOVEMBER 29th 2006

 

REPORT OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

 

 

VALE WAVES: INCREASING FREQUENCY OF PUBLICATION

 

Purpose of Report

 

1.    To advise Cabinet regarding the viability of increasing the number of editions of the Council’s community newspaper, Vale Waves, from four to six per year.

 

Background

 

2.    The BMG Opinion Survey, undertaken for the Council in 2005, revealed that residents would generally welcome more editions of the newspaper. Cabinet asked for the viability of producing an extra two editions per year be investigated.

 

Relevant Issues and Options

 

3.    The impact of additional editions of the newspaper on the Council’s communications with residents, and the public’s attitude to more frequent publication, have been assessed as positive. Financial and staff resource issues have also been investigated and viable ways to increase the number of editions per year have been developed.

 

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

 

4.   Increasing the frequency of publication will increase the cost of producing the newspaper; print and distribution costs will increase and additional staff hours will be needed. Appointing a lower cost publisher will make savings that can be assigned to production of extra editions.

 

Legal Implications (to include Human Rights implications)

 

5.    None.

 

Crime and Disorder Implications

 

6.    None.


 

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)

 

7.     The community newspaper seeks to inform all Vale residents about the Council’s services. It is delivered to every home and aims to provide information in the most accessible manner possible. The newspaper is produced in English and Welsh, giving parity to the Welsh speaking community.

 

Corporate/Service Objectives (to include stakeholder consultation and voluntary sector implications)

 

8.      The community newspaper aims to help the Council achieve a number of its Community Leadership key targets as laid down in the Corporate Plan 2005-2009.

 

Policy Framework and Budget

 

9.      This report is a matter for Executive decision by the Cabinet.

 

Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

 

10.    The Editor (Council Media Officer) of Vale Waves has been consulted and talks have been held with the Operations & Production Manager of the proposed new supplier.

 

Appropriate Scrutiny Committee

 

11.     Corporate Resources

 

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

 

That the new supplier be trialled and, if successful, the number of issues of Vale Waves be gradually increased between September 2007 and August 2009.

 

Reasons for recommendations

 

To ensure that Vale Waves' integrity as a reliable, regular and quality community newspaper be maintained.

 

 

Background Papers

 

Report: Vale Waves: The viability of producing six editions per year

 

 

Contact Officer – Alison Cummins, Communications Manager, 01446 709825

 

 

Officers Consulted – Operational Manager, Corporate Policy &   

 Communications

 Media Officer

                                     

 

JOHN MAITLAND EVANS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE