A council has defended its claim to publish “the largest local newspaper” in the area it serves – but has refused to justify its decision to defy the government on the issue.

Waltham Forest Council has stood by the claim about its Waltham Forest News publication, which has already been published seven times this year despite government guidelines stating no local authority should publish a newsletter more than quarterly.

HTFP reported on Monday how Waltham Forest Echo editor Victoria Munro had criticised the council’s claim, which she branded an “insult to both Waltham Forest and news”.

Victoria further accused the authority of “undercutting” her on advertising in a promotional offer sent to local businesses last week offering them reduced rates in the News.

The authority has now hit back in defence of the News, saying it “outweighs the reach of any alternatives” in the area, but has declined to explain how it justifies breaching guidance by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Local Government on publication frequency.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Local Government has reiterated the guidelines, although it made clear any decisions on enforcement would be made on a case-by-case basis.

In an anonymous statement issued to HTFP, the council said: “The global pandemic has required an unparalleled need to communicate urgently with everyone in Waltham Forest.

“Our communications have been at the forefront of keeping residents up-to-date covering everything from the latest lockdown rules, how to get tested and vaccinated, as well as how to access council services and essential financial support.

“Delivering Waltham Forest News through everyone’s door has meant we can reach every resident, especially those shielding, as well the 12pc of residents that do not have access to digital services.

“We know that 65pc of residents read Waltham Forest News which far outweighs the reach of any alternatives.”

The council has not responded to further requests for a comment on the Government guidelines surrounding publication frequency.

The controversy comes after HTFP reported in 2019 how the council had lost its fight at the Court of Appeal to continue publishing the News on a fortnightly basis.

The guidance, first issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government in 2011, states: “Local authorities should not publish or incur expenditure in commissioning in hard copy or on any website, newsletters, newssheets or similar communications which seek to emulate commercial newspapers in style or content.

“Where local authorities do commission or publish newsletters, newssheets or similar communications, they should not issue them more frequently than quarterly, apart from parish councils which should not issue them more frequently than monthly.

“Such communications should not include material other than information for the public about the business, services and amenities of the council or other local service providers.”

A Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Local Government spokesperson told HTFP: “The Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity is clear that councils should not issue newsletters more than quarterly.

“The Secretary of State has the power to enforce these guidelines if councils fail to abide by them.”