City Council hits back over PR costs allegations

Derby City Council has been forced to defend accusations that it is overspending on PR and communications.

In a long statement on its website, the Council has hit back at allegations made in the Derby Telegraph that it is spending £250,000 on nine press officers, as well as a head of communications who earns between £49,000 and £55,000 a year. The Council has branded these figures as “inaccurate”.

Derby City Council does admit to budgeting £60,000 for East Leake PR firm Arch Communications, but says that the actual amount spent on Arch will be “considerably less”.

In a strongly worded statement, the City Council said: “At a time of austerity, it is more important than ever for the Council to communicate effectively with the general public. We think that it is important that our residents and businesses understand the financial position of the Council and how any cuts to the services we provide may impact on them. We need to be able to signpost residents to important services and ensure the people of Derby get the support they deserve.

“The post of communications consultant will not be funded by any further cuts to services in Derby. Due to reductions in the grant the Council receives from the Government, we are still required to deliver a further £45 million of savings by 2019/20. The appointment of a Communications Consultant is a short-term post which is likely to last between three and six months.”

Arch Communications was set up in 2011 by former BBC journalist Matt Youdale. A spokesperson for the company had no comment to make when contacted.