How much is Labour squandering on "clipart" logo design fees?

2.20.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 20th Aug 2009

Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman for Newcastle East Greg Stone has highlighted the huge amount of money spent by the Government on commissioning logos for policy initiatives.

It has emerged that DCLG - the ministry responsible for communities, housing, and local government - has spent more than £100,000 on just a handful of logos, including for deeply obscure initiatives and quangos.

The bill included:

£21,090 for a logo for the "HomeBuy" mortgage help scheme - criticised for its low take up

£22,000 for a logo for the controversial Home Information Packs

£15,000 for the 2005 DCLG summit conference logo

£10,000 for logo for the deeply obscure National Housing and Planning Advice Unit

£25,000 for a new logo for the Communitybuilders fund

£29,000 for new logos for the DCLG itself

£7,260 for a logo for the Code for Sustainable Homes

Commenting, Greg Stone said "It is no wonder the Government is running out of money to support important schemes like the refurbishment of the Byker Estate and is slashing funding for new housing schemes in the North East, when the department responsible is blowing tens of thousands of pounds on designing logos and clipart. This relates only to one section of one Government department. I am concerned that across the board, the total cost may run into millions of pounds."

"There is a real issue over value for money and sensible use of resources here. If, and it is a big if, there is a need for 'branding' of particular initiatives, it surely could be done much more cost effectively by employing a single graphic designer in house rather than squandering thousands of pounds on design agency fees. Unfortunately this Labour government continues to favour spin and presentation over substance and controlling spending."