Frequently Asked Questions
Find out all you need to know about our residents' magazine Your Staffordshire.
How often does YS come out?
We produce four issues a year.
Who is it sent to?
The magazine is sent to all homes and businesses in Staffordshire.
How much does YS cost to produce?
It costs approximately £56,500 per issue to produce, which includes production of alternative formats of the magazine including Braille, large print and audio.
How is that cost broken down?
This is broken down approximately into:
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Paper
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£24,000
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Design
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£1,500
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Postage
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£29,000
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Alternative formats
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£800
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Pagesuite
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£200
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Photography
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£400
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Staff costs aren't included in these costs.
What savings have you made?
We've reduced the cost of Your Staffordshire by 23% from £73,000 to £56,500.
How have you done this?
A couple of ways.
Firstly, we've changed the type of paper YS is printed on. It's still 100% recycled, but it's a bit lighter, saving us money on the paper itself and also on the delivery of the magazine.
Secondly, we've reduced the number of pages from 24 (4 of these pages were adverts) to 16 (with no adverts). This slightly shorter magazine saves us even more on paper and also reduces our costs for the alternative formats of the magazine we produce in Braille, large print and audio.
Who delivers YS?
The county council has a special agreement with Royal Mail to deliver the magazine.
I live in Staffordshire but I don't receive YS. Why?
All homes and businesses should get a copy of the magazine. If you aren't getting your copy, please contact yourstaffordshire@staffordshire.gov.uk| with your name and postcode and we will look into why you aren't receiving the magazine.
I don't want to receive YS anymore, can you take me off your mailing list?
Depending on where you live, you will have Your Staffordshire delivered in one of two ways: door to door (where the postman drops the magazine through your door, unaddressed), or addressed (where you will receive a copy of the magazine in plastic packaging addressed 'To the occupier'). Opting out is slightly different depending on which service you receive:
Door to door
You will need to contact Royal Mail and opt out of their door to door mailing service. This means that you will not receive any similar door to door items (from any authorities/businesses etc - not just from the county council) for a two year period. To find out more contact Royal Mail direct on 08457 950 950 or email optout@royalmail.com|
The county council cannot opt out on your behalf.
Addressed
Please email your name and address details to
yourstaffordshire@staffordshire.gov.uk| and you will be taken off the distribution list.
Alternatively, you can opt out of receiving any direct mail items by calling the Royal Mail mailing preference helpline number 020 7766 4410. Please note, this means you will be taken off all direct mailing lists, and not just for Your Staffordshire.
Is YS printed on recycled paper?
Yes, the magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper.
Who writes YS?
It's written by the county council communications team.
I have written a story. How can I submit it to YS?
We don't generally accept stories from external sources, but if you have any queries, please contact Laura Martin on 01785 276829 or yourstaffordshire@staffordshire.gov.uk|
I have an idea for a story, who should I contact?
Contact Laura Martin on 01785 276829 or yourstaffordshire@staffordshire.gov.uk|
What kind of stories do you look for?
We want interesting ideas that let people know about the services that we provide across Staffordshire. Stories in YS must be related to county council services or partnerships - we don't usually publicise other organisations or events (except on the What's On page).
I have an event I'd like to publicise. Can it be included in the What's On section?
We have limited space in the What's On section and so can't guarantee that your event will be included. You can publicise your event on the web via our online events calendar. Visit The events calendar|
Who designs YS?
YS is designed by OneStop Media Services, based in Newcastle Under Lyme.
How do companies advertise in YS?
YS no longer carries any advertising.
Who should I contact with any comments?
Contact Laura Martin on 01785 276829 or yourstaffordshire@staffordshire.gov.uk|
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