Is your local authority 'playing politics' with public money?

By way of example, in advance of the North East referendum for an elected assembly an investigation was conducted by the District Auditor with regard to the subscriptions paid by local authorities to the unelected NEA who then used that money to promote a pro assembly prespective.

As a result of our complaint the assembly was censured but the auditor held back from further action after all the brochures were removed and the assembly's website was re-done and reassurances were given by the Director of the NEA that in future they would remain neutral.

If you want to check the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity you can see the guidelines here

Some individuals and organisations are now investigating housing stock transfers to see whether there have been any breaches there.
Remember, you can use the Freedom of Information Act to request copies of all brochures, leaflets, questionnaires and circulars sent out by the local authority in advance of any stock transfer vote, as well as requesting all the financial details and costings.

Should you feel it in order to raise a complaint then contact needs to be made with the District Auditor.
Some case studies and background info can be seen here here here here and here reported here

Hope this helps ;-)