The Vacuum
From Nigov
A newspaper, published by Factotum.
Contents |
The Offensive Issue: July 2004
At the July 2004 meeting of Belfast City Council, several Members raised questions regarding the funding of The Vacuum as they believed it be extremely offensive. It was directed that the Arts Sub-Committee reconsider funding of all arts publications, and seek to ensure that all material published must be pre-approved by the Council, contribute positively to the image of Belfast, and be be unlikely to offend the majority of the City’s ratepayers.
Arts Sub-Committee: August 2004
A report was then prepared, and presented to the August 4th Arts Sub-committee. Although the committee agreed that the publication had intended to cause offence, and that this was not acceptable. It was suggested that no further funding be provided but it was noted that as the application for funding had been assessed in accordance with pre-determined criteria, the Council would be open to legal challenge if it tried to reclaim funds or refused to provide already agreed funding on a different basis to the other applicants. The Director of Legal Services suggested putting in place new criteria in future.
After a vote, it was agreed that the funding to date should not be reclaimed, and that new conditions be drafted for future grant awards.
Development Committee: August 2004
At the main Development Committee meeting in August, however, it was again suggested that no further funding should be provided to Factorum. The Principal Solicitor reviewed the award, and stated that the application had met all the agreed criteria, the publication did not break any law, and that no recoupment of funding would be viable. He also stated that withholding the remainder of the allocation would be susecptible to legal challenge and could also be a breach of Human Rights. On a 5-4 vote, it was agreed to maintain the funding.
Back to Council: September 2004
When this was returned to the Council for September 2004, however, an amendment was raised, and carried (24 - 12) that financial assistance for the The Vacuum would not provided until such time as Factotum provides an apology for any offence which may have been caused to Members of the Council and the citizens of the City by previous publications and provides an assurance that future publications will meet such criteria as may be established by the Council.
Back to Arts Subcomittee: October 2004
(See: minutes.
Judicial Review or Settlement?: February 2005
At the February 2005 Development Committee it was noted that a Co-Editor of Factotum, had been applied for, and been granted, leave to apply for judicial review of this decision. After considering the likely costs of this process, it was moved that the Director of Legal Services be instructed to negotiate a settlement with the publishers. However this was rejected (8-2), and it was decided to retain Senior Counsel to assist the defence.
External Information
The story is told at http://www.sorryday.com/
