Concern over local accountability as Wiltshire Council cuts off communication with White Horse News

Wiltshire Council has refused to engage with the White Horse News following the publication of an article in its last issue that questioned the council’s public notice policy. By effectively censoring the newspaper, this decision has raised concerns about how it could undermine press freedom, accountability and local democracy.  

In its last issue, White Horse News reported on criticism of the council for its policy of only using paid-for newspapers to advertise public notices, including the concerns raised by some councillors after a motion to debate the issue was denied.  

Following this, Wiltshire Council halted all communications with the newspaper, declining to send press releases or respond to any enquiries. White Horse News has received written confirmation from Wiltshire Council stating they do not feel able to engage with the publication. 

“Wiltshire Council’s decision to stop engaging with White Horse News is deeply troubling,” said the newspaper’s operations manager, Joe McCann. “Local newspapers like ours are essential for holding public bodies to account and ensuring transparency in local government. By cutting off communication, the council is evading scrutiny and potentially controlling the flow of information, which is not just a concern for us as journalists but for the public as well. 

Dangerous precedent

“This sets a dangerous precedent, where councils can silence critical voices instead of addressing legitimate concerns, ultimately undermining local democracy. This is an unprecedented move for a local council.”  

Wiltshire councillor Gordon King who represents Westbury, said, “That Wiltshire Council has taken upon itself to blacklist a local newspaper is outrageous. Newspapers, national or local, do from time to time, make comment or challenge opinion concerning the efficient spending of public money or where the authority may be guilty of errant decision-making. Newspapers have a vital role in the democratic process where councils are themselves the body politic. 

“Dangerous thinking such as democracy, collectivism or consensus have been missing from Wiltshire Council for some time and this is yet another example of the inherent arrogance of the place. Shameful. Let’s put that right in May 2025.”

Public interest

Emma Meese, director at the Independent Community News Network (ICNN), who represents the independent press community, added, “The role of a journalist has always been to scrutinise and provide news that is in the public interest. It is concerning when a local authority decides it will not engage with the largest news provider in the area, for calling it out on its actions. We have to question the motive behind this decision by Wiltshire Council to try and control the narrative.” 

Unprecedented

Ian Drew, White Horse News editor, said, “Wiltshire Council’s actions are unprecedented. In this newspaper’s 30+ years of providing news for the local community, we are not aware of any other council anywhere in the country that has done something like this.  

“As a family-owned newspaper, we have always been committed to providing the community with reliable and balanced news. For over 30 years, we have a proud record as a trusted source of information, giving a voice to local people and holding local authorities to account. Despite Wiltshire Council’s decision, we will continue to strive to carry out this work.”