Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval to proceed with the production of a new bi-monthly Council publication designed to improve direct communications with residents.

RESOLVED: That Option 3, the production of an A3, 4-page full colour publication printed on recycled newsprint and delivered six times per year as a solo distribution (by Firm 2, as detailed in the exempt annex), be approved

REASON:      To ensure the most effective and timely method of improving direct communication.

Members considered a report which sought approval to proceed with the production of a new bi-monthly Council publication designed to improve direct communications with residents of the City of York.

Previous reports to Executive had noted the link between overall satisfaction with the Council and the amount of information received by residents about council services, with both indicators falling in parallel for some years.  It had been proposed to address this by way of a new council publication, produced in partnership with an external provider and financed through advertising.  In view of the current economic climate, the proposal now was to fund a bi-monthly, A3 sized publication using existing directorate communications spending. 

Members were asked to consider the following options, the respective costs of which were detailed in (exempt) Annex 1 to the report, together with distribution options:

Option 1 – A3, 4-page full colour, 170gsm gloss art paper, delivered four times per year with Your Ward and twice through a separate distribution.

Option 2 – A3, 4-page full colour, recycled newsprint, delivered four times per year with Your Ward and twice through a separate distribution.

Option 3 - A3, 4-page full colour, recycled newsprint, delivered by separate distribution six times per year.  This was the recommended option, providing a shorter lead-in time and a truly bi-monthly publication. 

In debating the distribution options, Members agreed that it was important to ensure a reliable, timely and regular delivery.  Officers confirmed that Firm 2 could provide a solo distribution within budget, although this would be more expensive than a combined distribution with another publication.

Having noted the comments of the Shadow Executive on this item, it was

RESOLVED: That Option 3, the production of an A3, 4-page full colour publication printed on recycled newsprint and delivered six times per year as a solo distribution (by Firm 2, as detailed in the exempt annex), be approved.¹

REASON:      To ensure the most effective and timely method of improving direct communication.