Agenda item

Members received the report of the Head of Corporate Strategy and Democratic Services in relation to the proposed

Corporate Communications and Community Relations Strategy for the Authority.  The report had been commended to Council for adoption by the Policy and Resources Cabinet Board with one amendment, namely to add the MEP’s to the list of main audiences. 

Following the presentation of the report, Members supported the Strategy and the importance of disseminating information to the public.  In particular Members felt that members of the public were not fully aware of the services the Council provided and the financial support provided to the Fire Authority, etc., although some of this information is now being built into relevant reports.

Members acknowledged the need to move to faster digital communication, such as Facebook and twitter, however in order to be inclusive the Authority would need to retain its current forms of communication, such as radio, for those not IT literate.  Members noted however that there was no longer a reporter for the area and that it was mainly up to the Local Authority and Councillors to circulate information.

In relation to the use of sponsorship and advertising it would be necessary to research their viability, including any income generation opportunities.

Members raised the possibility of involving young people in the community through perhaps schools and the Youth Council.

Members supported the addition of the MEP’s to the list of main audiences and asked if Community and Town Councils be also added.

RESOLVED:      That the Communications Strategy, as set out in Appendix 1 to the circulated report be adopted, subject to the addition of the MEP’s and Community and Town Councils within the circulation list.