Mill is an independent local news service covering the developments, decisions and events shaping our communities.

We report on new developments, local politics, public services, planning, business, culture and the issues that affect everyday life. Our aim is straightforward: to provide useful, accurate and accessible journalism that helps readers understand what is happening locally, why it matters and what may happen next.

Independent local journalism

Local decisions often have lasting consequences, but they are not always reported clearly or examined in enough detail. Mill exists to close that gap.

We follow local authorities, planning applications, public bodies, developers, businesses, community organisations and political representatives. We also cover the people, projects and ideas changing the places in which we live.

Our reporting is produced independently. Editorial decisions are based on public interest, relevance and evidence. Coverage is not determined by advertisers, political parties, campaign groups or commercial partners.

The HARG standard

Mill is run by the HARG Association, an independent association established to support reliable public-interest information.

HARG stands for:

Helpful
Our reporting should answer real questions, explain important developments and give readers information they can use.

Authoritative
Articles should be informed by credible evidence, reliable sources and appropriate subject knowledge. Important claims should be checked and clearly attributed.

Real
Reporting should reflect what has actually happened. We distinguish confirmed facts from allegations, opinions, estimates and predictions.

Good
Journalism should serve the public interest. It should be fair, responsible, readable and produced with respect for the people and communities it covers.

These principles form the HARG standard used throughout Mill’s editorial policy. They guide how stories are selected, researched, written, reviewed, corrected and updated.

What we cover

Mill reports on subjects including:

• Local politics and public administration
• Planning applications and new developments
• Housing, transport and infrastructure
• Public services and local institutions
• Business and economic change
• Environment and sustainability
• Culture, heritage and community life
• Investigations and matters of public interest

Our coverage is not limited to announcements. We aim to explain the context behind events, examine the evidence and follow stories as they develop.

Accuracy and corrections

Accuracy is central to our work. We seek to verify significant claims, use primary sources where possible and give relevant people or organisations a fair opportunity to respond.

When an error is identified, we aim to correct it promptly and transparently. Substantial corrections or clarifications should be noted on the relevant article.

Readers can contact Mill to report a possible error, provide evidence, suggest a story or raise a concern about our coverage.

Editorial independence

The HARG Association is responsible for supporting Mill’s operation, but Mill’s journalism is governed by its editorial standards.

Any relevant conflict of interest, sponsorship, partnership or financial relationship should be disclosed where it could reasonably affect a reader’s understanding of an article.

Opinion, analysis and news reporting should be clearly distinguished. Contributors are expected to write honestly, declare relevant interests and avoid presenting speculation as fact.

Working with the community

Good local journalism depends on local knowledge.

We welcome information from residents, workers, businesses, councillors, public officials, community groups and subject specialists. Tips and submissions are assessed independently, and providing information does not guarantee publication.

Mill is interested in stories that are overlooked, documents that deserve scrutiny, developments that require explanation and decisions that affect the public.

Our purpose

Mill exists to make local information easier to find, understand and trust.

By reporting carefully, explaining clearly and correcting openly, we aim to strengthen public understanding and contribute to a healthier local information environment.

Mill is independent local journalism, guided by the HARG standard: Helpful, Authoritative, Real and Good.