Our 2008 council publicity spending report revealed which councils have increased their spending on publicity, despite the tough economic times we live in. Here are the top ten councils who have increased their publicity spend in cash terms, our publicity spending sinners.
I’ve included the leader of the council’s contact details as well as the cash increase in publicity spending so you can ask them why they’ve spent your money on their self congratulatory propaganda instead of preparing for tax cuts. There's no room in our ailing economy for such lavish spending, so now is your chance to hold these politicians to account and demand they stop the over-spending within their council.
1. Leeds City Council
Publicity spending increase: £1,973,000
Leader of the Council: Cllr Richard Brett
2. Surrey County Council
Publicity spending increase: £1,100,000
Leader of the Council: Cllr Nick Skellett
3. Lincolnshire County Council
Publicity spending increase: £982,256
Leader of the Council: Cllr Martin Hill
4. Brent Council
Publicity spending increase: £883,000
Leader of the Council: Cllr Paul Lorber
5. Norfolk County Council
Publicity spending increase: £847,000
Leader of the Council: Cllr Daniel Cox
6. Croydon Council
Publicity spending increase: £817,000
Leader of the Council: Cllr Mike Fisher
7. Gloucestershire County Council
Publicity spending increase: £687,000
Leader of the Council: Cllr Barry Stanton Dare
8. Haringey Council
Publicity spending increase: £675,000
Leader of the Council: Cllr Claire Kober
9. East Sussex County Council
Publicity spending increase: £615,000
Leader of the Council: Cllr Peter Jones
10. Barking and Dagenham Council
Publicity spending increase: £571,000
Leader of the Council: Cllr Charles Fairbrass