An interesting report has come in from MPs about the future of local and regional newspapers - and I find myself agreeing with the main conclusions.

In its report "Future for local and regional media" published by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, MPs said it would be inappropriate for government subsidies to be paid to the provincial press.

That has to be right in terms of straightforward cash handouts because that would undermine our independence. There is, however, nothing wrong with government agreeing to smarter commercial deals in order to buy into the unrivalled local audiences built up by local newspapers for generations.

The report also concludes that the Office of Fair Trading should carry out a review of the impact of local authority publiciations on independent commercial local newspapers.

I agree because there are too many council publications which are using taxpayers' money to peddle political bias and to compete for commercial advertising with local newspapers.

Committee chairman John Whittingdale said: "There is a real problem with local authority newspapers and magazines that needs to be addressed.

"We have seen council newspapers that are effectively posing as, and competing with, local commercial newspapers.

"While it is important that local authorities communicate with their citizens, it is unacceptable that councils can set up publications in direct competition to local newspapers and that act as a vehicle for political propaganda."

I support every word. The question is going to be how council publications are brought in line.

There are, however, signs that the message is getting through and it is important to continue shining the spotlight on the issue.

Every local authority in the country needs to be challenged over the cost and policies surrounding these publications.