To present the context for a new communication strategy setting out the approach to corporate communication activity in the next few years including a media protocol and social media policy.

Portfolio Holder for Finance and Legal Services introduced the report, notifying Cabinet that the council was a £0.5billion business. He stated that the strategy was to make it clear how the council would engage with the media and vice versa.

He continued by stating residents did not have time to search for information, so it was important for it to be easy to find. Councillor Hebb commented that it was important to become self-service but also put the council out for business.

Councillor Coxshall welcomed the report, stating it was long overdue.

The Leader commented on the excellent work undertaken by officers to produce a wide ranging document to promote Thurrock.

RESOLVED:

1.         To agree the proposed Communication Strategy 2017-20 as the principle policy document for engagement with residents via all communication and media platforms.

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in