Town hall chiefs have warned councils could lose the right to run public campaigns with local papers, under plans to reform the local authority publicity code.

The Local Government Association (LGA) claimed measures, which went before Parliament on 17 July will ban councils from spending money on publicity campaigns, or supporting other organisations in their campaigns.

The new measures will also limit local authorities to publish no more than four newsletters a year, which the LGA claimed could impact the role of local authorities keeping their residents informed about public health issues.

The publicity code currently exists as guidance only, but if it becomes part of the Local Audit and Accountability Bill, it will also become law.

At present, the communities secretary has the power to take a council to a judicial review, if he believes there has been an unacceptable breach of the guidelines.

‘Councils have a proud history of campaigning on behalf of their residents, often alongside their local newspapers,' said LGA chair, Sir Merrick Cockell.

‘It might be inconvenient for central government or big business, but a community being able to stand up against unpopular proposals affecting their area is a key part of democracy.'