Issue - meetings

1.  It be agreed that the Council produces a regular paper magazine called ‘Our Bromley’ three times a year to be distributed to all residents. There is flexibility to move to four editions a year, but for the moment, three is recommended as a more viable option.

2.  It be noted that the financial implications are envisaged to be cost neutral, with the total expected spend of £180k over three issues, at current prices, being anticipated to be covered by advertising revenue. 

3.  It be noted that after a period of a year, there will be a review on the impact of the publication before continuing in future years. 

4.  The change of name of the Council’s e-mailed newsletter for residents from ‘Update’ to ‘Our Bromley’ be noted. 

Report CSD23129

The report sets out the background behind the launch of the Council’s resident magazine – ‘Our Bromley’. It outlined the rationale behind the magazine and why it was necessary to launch such a publication, to ensure that all residents, including the most vulnerable, were better able to access the Council’s services. It also outlined proposals for a permanent magazine going forward.

The demise of printed local media in Bromley in favour of digital media had left a challenging landscape in which to deliver information to everyone in the Borough including those not digitally enabled.

The report had been scrutinised by the Executive, Resources and Contracts PDS Committee at its meeting on 17 October 2023 and the Committee had supported the recommendations.

RESOLVED: That

1.  It be agreed that the Council produces a regular paper magazine called ‘Our Bromley’ three times a year to be distributed to all residents. There is flexibility to move to four editions a year, but for the moment, three is recommended as a more viable option.

2.  It be noted that the financial implications are envisaged to be cost neutral, with the total expected spend of £180k over three issues, at current prices, being anticipated to be covered by advertising revenue. 

3.  It be noted that after a period of a year, there will be a review on the impact of the publication before continuing in future years. 

4.  The change of name of the Council’s e-mailed newsletter for residents from ‘Update’ to ‘Our Bromley’ be noted.