A NEW strategy governing how Stoke-on-Trent City Council should communicate with residents has been backed by councillors.

The draft Stoke-on-Trent communications strategy for 2009-12 was unveiled to the transformation and resources scrutiny committee.

The council's head of PR and communications, Dan Barton, said the strategy would set clear guidelines for communicating with residents, media organisations, government departments and partner agencies.

Mr Barton said: "Our aim will be targeted at an increased level of information for all and a greater understanding of this authority's work by the people we serve."

The committee also heard that the council's PR and communications department has been allocated a budget of £940,000 for the three years from 2008-11.