THE Local Government Association (LGA) is calling on councils to avoid the use of unnecessary jargon.

Following criticism of authorities for their overuse of management speak, the LGA has compiled a list of 200 words it wants authorities to stop using.

Town halls are advised not to use words such as "mainstreaming", "holistic", "contestability" and "synergies".

Harrow Council last year told staff to avoid committing what it has identifed as the "seven sins of jargon".

But council leader Clyde Loakes said Waltham Forest will not follow suit, saying residents don't want their information dumbed down.