10th March 2026
Some residents in Romiley have reported receiving a Stockport Council newsletter in the same post delivery as a Liberal Democrat political leaflet, prompting questions about whether the timing was coincidental or coordinated.
Several households said both items arrived together through the letterbox, leading some to wonder whether council communications and party political material were being distributed at the same time deliberately.
In the UK, local councils are required to remain politically neutral in their official communications. Council newsletters are produced using public funds and are intended to provide information about local services, events, and policy changes affecting residents.
Political parties, meanwhile, regularly distribute their own campaign literature to promote policies, local councillors, or campaign messages. Such leaflets must clearly identify the party responsible and include an imprint stating who printed and promoted the material.
While it is not unusual for multiple items of post to arrive together—particularly where bulk mail deliveries are involved—the coincidence of official council information and party literature landing on doormats at the same time can raise questions for residents about whether any connection exists.
Under the Freedom of Information Act, residents can ask the council to confirm whether any public resources—such as staff time, printing contracts, or mailing lists—were used in connection with political party leaflets. Councils are required to respond to such requests within 20 working days.
At present there is no evidence that council resources were used for political campaigning in Romiley. However, transparency around how publicly funded communications are produced and distributed remains an issue that some residents feel strongly about.
Residents who wish to raise questions can contact Stockport Council’s Freedom of Information team to request further details about council mailings and distribution arrangements.
As always, the Romiley Gazette welcomes readers’ views on local issues affecting the community.
