I would like to submit a freedom of information request for the following information:

1. Money spent by the Council on public relations firms, on advertising, and on communications strategy. Please provide this information for the last 12 months, and also for the year 2020-2021.

We do not hold this information.

The Communications, Engagement and Marketing budget (including staff) for 2020/21 is £508,010. This is used for public relations, press office, social media, direct communications to residents (newsletters and e-bulletins), consultation and engagement, internal (staff) communications and engagement and our news website. In addition there may be other teams in the council that run campaigns to promote their activities and we do not hold these figures as they would be part of their budgets.