COUNCIL'S EXPENDITURE ON PR 'SPIN' UNACCEPTABLE

13.10.03

Liberal Democrat councillors have criticised the Labour Council for putting image before results after it topped a recent poll of local government 'big spenders' on public relations, with a budget now well over a million pounds.

According to figures published by leading international public relations magazine, PR Week, Haringey spends an average of £5.03 per head of population on communications and has the second largest communications team in the country, with a massive 30 members of staff. However, Lib Dems highlight that despite investment in communications the Audit Commission has given the council a rating of 'weak'.

Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson, Lynne Featherstone comments:

"The truth is out that local residents are paying excessively for improving the Council's poor image while key services continue to be underfunded and neglected.

"Communicating with residents is an important part of running a successful council, but money is being wasted on glossy self-promotional leaflets, and no amount of wasteful PR spending can hide Haringey's failings."

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