Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what was the outturn spending by the department on communications, marketing and advertising in (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26.

DWP’s spend on communications, marketing and advertising is an important part of our duty to inform the public about essential policies and services that support people, including some of the most vulnerable, in their daily lives.

Our campaigns reach key audiences effectively and communicate a range of DWP campaign messages. For example, the Pension Credit campaign which informs people about targeted financial support available. Employment campaigns support customers to take up work and training opportunities. The Tell DWP Campaign is designed to address fraud and error in the benefits system.

Without targeted campaigns, millions of citizens would miss out on services, rights, and support to which they are entitled.

In financial year 2024 -25 the Department spent £9.8m on marketing and advertising.

For financial year 2025-26 the data is not yet held by the Department, as the contract with the government’s media buying agency for the requested period has now ended.

Please note figures are rounded to nearest £0.1m.