A controversial charge to distribute leaflets in Oxford is expected to be scrapped following complaints from local people and organisations.
Oxford council recently announced that anyone wishing to distribute leaflets within a designated area in the city would have to pay a £400 charge. Charitable, religious and political groups are currently exempt from the charge.
However, many other local not-for-profit organisations, such as student groups, spoke up about the fact that they cannot afford to pay this charge and therefore are unable to promote using leaflets. This has a knock on effect on local companies that offer leaflet and flyer printing in Oxford. Many local businesses also rely on flyer and leaflet printing to generate footfall and custom, and charging these businesses £400 per year to do something that was previously available for free could have a negative impact on profits.
In light of the outcry following the charge, which came into effect in 2011, the council decided to hold a review meeting with the public about this charge. A report was put forward by Graham Eagle, a public health official, proposing that certain groups should receive a discount on the charge for a leafleting license. The report received widespread public support and if the changes outlined in it are approved, this would mean more people in Oxford could use flyer printing to promote their organisation.
The meeting was held at the end of August with members of the council and the public. A decision on the leaflet charge is yet to be announced publicly.
