Last month, we attended the launch of the government’s 2017/18 Communications Plan. The event celebrated 100 years of government communications and also signalled the launch of the first plan that has needed to address the challenges of an impending Brexit.
The launch began with an address from Minister for the Constitution, Chris Skidmore. His message was clear: Britain remains well and truly open for business. Reading through the Communications Plan, priorities are around ‘creating a global Britain and Northern Ireland’, ‘ensuring a secure and strong Union’, ‘developing a stronger economy’, and ‘building a fairer society’.
The plan addresses the key issues facing the country right now. Brexit, extremism, housing and employment are all in there. Infrastructure makes an appearance too and its role in helping to drive a stronger economy is made abundantly clear. Treasury will be working to promote investment in infrastructure in general and the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) will be working to communicate the economic growth potential of the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine.
Employment opportunities associated with Heathrow and HS2 are also set to receive attention as the Department for Transport not only looks to hammer home the practical and economic benefits of improved national and international travel, but the socioeconomic gains during delivery as well.
DCLG will lead on communications around housing. Communications will be embedded within the ‘building a fairer society’ theme. Messaging will centre around the government’s desire to support the delivery of one million new homes by 2020 and a further 500,000 by 2022 to enable more people to buy and rent their homes.
In addition to outlining the government’s focus for communications, the plan also highlights how the Government Communications Service is striving to continue improving the way the communications industry operates. As one of the appointed agencies on the Government Communications Framework, Copper will be working to this guidance. To find out more about our appointment, click here.
