To match an exact phrase, use quotation marks around the search term. eg. "Parliamentary Estate". Use "OR" or "AND" as link words to form more complex queries.


Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest developments by exploring our subscription options to receive notifications direct to your inbox

Written Question
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Social Media
Thursday 10th April 2025

Asked by: Josh Fenton-Glynn (Labour - Calder Valley)

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many social media accounts his Department operates; and how much his Department spent on social media (a) subscriptions and (b) advertisements on each social media platform in each of the last three years.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government communicates across a range of media channels in order to reach its target audience effectively. Channels are selected based on whether they will reach the intended audience on a specific issue to have the most impact. Social media is an essential part of government communications and is used to inform the public directly about matters which may affect their lives or interests. Defra currently operates 18 accounts across its policy areas and functions. To our knowledge, Defra does not have regular social media subscriptions. Departmental marketing spend for the last 3 years on social advertisements is detailed below:

DEFRA Social Investment by year (H1/H2)

2021

LinkedIn

META

Twitter

Next Door

Total

H1 Jan-Jun

£24,047

£127,757

£1,088

£152,892

H2 Jul-Dec

£66,756

£66,756

2022

LinkedIn

META

Twitter

Next Door

Total

H1 Jan-Jun

£7,045

£176,713

£183,758

H2 Jul-Dec

£44,114

£44,114

2023

LinkedIn

META

Twitter

Next Door

Total

H1 Jan-Jun

£94,121

£94,121

H2 Jul-Dec

£3,570

£125,930

£129,500

2024

LinkedIn

META

Twitter

Next Door

Total

H1 Jan-Jun

£174,872

£11,785

£186,657

H2 Jul-Dec

£60,320

£60,320