To ask Her Majesty's Government how much the Equality and Human Rights Commission spent on (a) public relations consultants, and (b) public affairs consultants, in each of the last three years; and for what purposes. [HL2284]

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is independent and manages its own affairs; the following is based on information it has provided.

The EHRC has spent a total of £290,985.73 on public affairs and public relations consultants during the past three years. For each year spend is as follows:

2006-08—£61,076.82;

2008-09—£103,807.62; and

2009-10—£99,612.74 (spend to date) plus £26,488.55 for which the EHRC is contractually obliged to pay.

This expenditure was for seven distinct pieces of work:

the Muslim Women's Power List;

Young Brits at Art;

Our Space;

the Celebr8 Project;

preparation for the Commission's appearances before parliamentary Select Committees and provision of strategic advice on the Equality Bill;

deliver communications strategy for the Commission's three year strategic plan; and

development of a Campaign Book to assist the EHRC in messaging and branding work, setting out strategy for engaging with key audiences.