The Joint Industry Group (JIG), set up 12 years ago to address problems in the supply of newspapers and magazines, has been dissolved.

The group brought together publishers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers in an attempt to improve the supply chain through self-regulation. However, the diverse goals of its members meant progress has been slow, and its unity was rocked by the withdrawal of large-retailer representative BRC last year and the National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN) last month.

NFRN national president Suleman Khonat said JIG was "riddled with politics and company strategic agendas that manifest in procrastination and stifled progress".

JIG also oversaw the ISSA complaints procedure which enabled retailers to pursue wholesalers for lost revenue, a scheme derided by news sellers as complicated and time-consuming. In January only 10 claims forms were submitted.

Announcing its dissolution, JIG's board said a new body would replace it. "Proposals have included a revised Industry Code supported by a newly constituted self-regulatory body," it said.