Parish councillors could be banned from speaking to the press in a blow to freedom of speech and local democracy.

Under new guidance issued by the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), parish and town councillors could be “gagged.”

Journalists would not be allowed to contact councillors directly and must obtain written permission from the town clerk, most of whom are unelected and only work part-time.

Government minister Eric Pickles has branded the move “Stalinist” but two parish councils in Kirklees – Kirkburton and Holme Valley – already operate a similar policy.

Kirkburton Parish Council refers journalists to its parish clerk Angela Royle.

When the Examiner contacted council chairman Clr Cassandra Whittingham on her mobile phone she said: “We discourage contact with the media for press releases and everything goes through the clerk.”

She said there were “good reasons” for it and asked what they were she replied: “Because the clerk has all the legal information and more experience.”

Pushed further Clr Whittingham said: “I would, of course, advise you to go through the clerk which is our standard policy.”

Asked if the clerk was available, she said: “The office is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays but she does pick up e-mails outside office hours.”

The Examiner e-mailed Mrs Royle on Friday asking for a reply within 48 hours.

She replied: “I’m afraid I’m out of the office this afternoon. I only work part-time, so it is not possible for us to respond within the given timescales.

“If you are able to extend the deadline for comment, I’m sure we will be able to provide you with a response.”

At Holme Valley, which came under the public spotlight over a controversial land charity it set up, has a similar media policy.

When contacted by the Examiner Clr Charles Kaye, portfolio holder for finance and management, referred us to Clr Bev Osborn, chairman of the council’s Publicity and Special Projects Committee.

Clr Kaye said the council had a policy “similar” to that proposed by NALC as it “had got into trouble” with media comments in the past.

He added: “We are asking for any official parish council statements to come, in fact, from Bev and she will work through our clerk Sally Barber.”

The new ‘media policy’ – which comes as Kirklees Council is seeking to devolve decision-making powers to parish and town councils – was described as “Stalinist” by Local Government Secretary Mr Pickles.

He has demanded the advice be withdrawn and said: “Freedom of speech is a vital part of local democracy. Councillors must be able to challenge waste and inefficiency, and should not have to get permission from state officials to speak to the Press.

“I am concerned that this Stalinist guidance will have a chilling effect on public life. I am making clear its contents are utterly opposed by the Government.”

Kirklees has five parish and town councils in Kirkburton, Meltham, Denby Dale, Holme Valley and Mirfield.

Mirfield town councillors dismissed the edict as “absolute madness” and Clr James Taylor said: “We are speechless – quite literally. What will they do next? Ban us from Facebook and Twitter as well?”

Clr Taylor’s mother Kath, also a town and Kirklees councillor, said the move put democracy at risk and added: “We are looking at devolution but at the same time banning freedom of speech.

“It is absolute madness. They have no idea how parish councils operate. Parish councillors don’t get paid a penny – not even expenses – and everything is done in our own time.

“Our clerk, Lisa Staggs, only works on Tuesdays and Thursdays and also works part-time at Asda.

“You can safely say Mirfield Town Council won’t be introducing this ban.”

That’s likely to be the case at Meltham Town Council, where 11 of the 12 councillors stand as independents.

Town mayor Clr Edgar Holroyd-Doveton favours open government and said: “Councillors are elected by residents and are free to discuss issues with the Press and that’s important. This advice seems somewhat strange.”

At Denby Dale Parish Council only e-mail addresses for councillors, not telephone numbers, are listed on its website.

However six of the 20 councillors have no contact details at all and have a note under their name which reads: “Contact via Clerk.”

The Examiner e-mailed clerk Carol Wadsworth, chairman Clr Kelvyn Waites and vice-chairman Clr John Cook but no reply was received.

Clr Jim Dodds, a Denby Dale and Kirklees councillor, said he opposed the new policy which he described as “censorship.”

He added: “There are times when I have wished I hadn’t spoken to the Press but this is not a route we should go down.”

Holme Valley Parish Council later issued a statement through clerk Mrs Barber which said: “The parish council’s current media policy does not bar members from speaking or communicating with the press but provides the framework for members and the clerk to follow.

“The general principle is that all statements made must reflect the parish council’s opinion, based on decisions made by the council.

“Statements are usually made through the office to ensure consistency and accurate recording. This process enables the council to identify who is best placed to respond.

“In accordance with the current media policy, it is quite acceptable for individual members to communicate with the Press, making it clear that it is their opinion as an individual member and not that of the full council.”

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