Reykjavik estimates communications advice cost nearly ISK 1.5 million

Reykjavik City estimates it spent ISK 1,496,903, including VAT, on temporary communications consultancy from public relations firm Athygli ehf, mbl.is reports.

The advice was linked to changes in the structure of the city’s welfare department and its school and leisure department. The city council approved the changes in August.

The figure was given in a response from the city clerk to a question submitted by a Socialist Party observer on October 5. The city requested a price from Athygli but did not put the work out to tender.

The response did not state the salary costs related to the engagement. The city said pay was determined under its salary system, collective agreements and job evaluation.

Ten people were laid off from Reykjavik City’s communications and events office after a new majority took over in the city.