Opposition Criticises Hounslow Council's PR Spend
Says budget rising at a time when key services are being cut
Hounslow House. Picture: Hounslow Council
July 10, 2025
The Conservatives on Hounslow Council have criticised the amount that is being spent on public relations after it emerged that it rose to over £2million last year.
A Freedom of Information (FoI) request showed that the cost to the borough rose by 13% over the last year and that the number of people employed full time in the communications was 17.
The opposition councillors have questioned the rise at a time when the council is aiming to make £12million of cuts to cover a budget shortfall estimated to be £30 million. This includes a programme of streetlight dimming, a reduction of £300,000 in the highways budget, and a £70,000 reduction in park maintenance. In addition, Council Tax was increased by the maximum allowable.
Jack Emsley, Conservative Councillor for Chiswick Homefields, said, “Hounslow Labour’s warped spending priorities mean that our streetlights are being dimmed and council tax going up to fund their growing army of press officers. To increase their PR spending by an inflation-busting 13% is an insult to the residents who will struggle with bills and see their services cut this year as a result of Labour’s local budget. Whilst this Labour council is focussed on its next headline, Conservative Councillors believe this borough deserves much, much better.”
The council pointed out that the size of its communication team is one fewer than the borough average for London, according to a Local Government Association/House of Commons survey, and staff in the department have demonstrated value for money by running a series of successful campaigns. These include the promotion of the Council’s apprenticeship fair which was attended by 300 young people, a campaign that helped 500 residents to stop smoking and 150,000 visitors attending the borough’s free Summer of Culture.
A council spokesperson said, “The information given in response to the FOI included non-communications spend such as consultation and engagement activities for residents to shape our decisions and improve services. The Council’s Corporate Communications budget is £1.05 million. This is similar to the previous two financial years. The Council employs 15 permanent ‘communications’ posts, less than the average for a London borough.
“Our Communications team serves about 300,000 people in one of London’s most diverse boroughs, providing a full range of professional communications disciplines. This includes campaigns across subjects such as public health, climate and environment, elections, fostering and adoption, social care, fly-tipping and culture. In addition, the team is responsible for numerous digital and social channels, a wide range of enewsletters, print publications and marketing materials, public affairs and internal communications.
“Our most recent residents survey found 68% of residents felt ‘well informed’ about the Council and the services and benefits it provides, 12 percentage points higher than the national average for councils.
“The Council wants to ensure its residents and businesses are aware of the services, support, events and opportunities available to them, especially those in most need, and understand the role of the Council, how they can influence its decisions and participate in civic society.
“In a culturally and socially diverse borough where the sources of where people access information have never been so diverse and the demand on services never so great, the communications team needs to be adequately resourced to deliver the Council’s priorities.
“The Council is committed to providing value for money and delivering for our residents.”
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