Tower Hamlets council responds to Eric Pickles ‘Pravda’ label

Robin de Peyer Wednesday, July 4, 2012
10:58 AM

Tower Hamlets council has issued a robust defence of their East End Life newspaper, after communities secretary Eric Pickles promised to clamp down on council-run publications.

Speaking on BBC Radio London on Monday, Mr Pickles condemned such newspapers as “town-hall Pravdas”, and vowed to introduce legislation restricting their publication.

However, Tower Hamlets council have claimed that their weekly newspaper, East End Life, is an efficient use of resources.

A spokesperson said: “East End Life is produced at net nil cost to Tower Hamlets Council. The £1.2 million required to produce it annually is offset entirely by the £1.2 million it raises each year in advertising revenue. East End Life has been subject to intense scrutiny and last year we conducted a review to determine whether it was continuing to serve the interests of the local community.

“We will continue to monitor the financial performance of East End Life to ensure that it continues to fulfil the needs of our local community, who we, not central government, are best placed to understand.”