Council defends spending £250k on PR jobs

Cotswold District Council has come under fire for spending £250,000 on PR roles

A council has come under fire for spending £250,000 a year on public relations roles.

Liberal Democrat-controlled Cotswold District Council leaders have defended their decision to create four new communications jobs.

They said the new roles were aimed at improving communication and making sure residents were aware of the "vital services" and support available to them during the cost of living crisis.

Conservative group leader Tom Stowe described the decision as a “huge waste of money”.

'Clobbering residents'

Mr Stowe said it was a "slap in the face" for residents, according to the Local Democracy Reporting service.

He said: “The financial difficulties that the council now finds itself in after five years of Lib Dem mismanagement are well documented.

“They’ve been pleading poverty, slashing services and clobbering residents with continuous increases to car parking, green bin charges and council tax as they desperately plug their budget blackholes and fend off the threat of bankruptcy."

In September Cotswold District Council warned residents about possible bill increases amid bankruptcy fears.

'Vital services'

Council leader Joe Harris said the Conservatives were trying to misrepresent their efforts to support residents.

He said the new roles were to better inform people about the vital services and support available during the cost of living.

Mr Harris said: “These new roles are about clear, effective communication—ensuring residents know about vital services such as cost-of-living support.

“We’re also aiming to improving communication around important issues like planning and development which is something the Conservatives have criticised the council for."