A PUBLIC spending watchdog has slammed a council over an unusual publicly funded position.

Brighton and Hove Council has refused to name its new Brexit communications officer – or pass comment further on the matter.

TaxPayers’ Alliance research director Duncan Simpson said: “This is yet another example of the contempt which Brighton and Hove council has for its residents.

“Immigration rules are the purview of central Government and the Home Office.

“So this virtue signalling from Brighton to make councillors feel good about themselves and shows exactly why so many people find politicians beneath contempt.

“All local authorities should stop advertising for non-jobs such as these and focus on delivering their statutory responsibilities.”

Brighton and Hove City Council is paying the officer £35,000 of Government money to “ensure they feel welcome and supported” and promote the city as “open and welcoming” following the UK’s departure from the EU on January 31.

In a job advert, which has already been filled, the candidate was asked to provide public relations advice to help Brexit planning, communicate the impact of Brexit in the city and organise briefings about the country’s European exit.

They will also be responding to public queries received through social media and will be commissioning graphic design, audio, filming, and paid for advertising to communicate news and information.

A council spokeswoman said: “The main focus of our Brexit communications at the moment is on encouraging EU residents to stay in the city, ensuring they feel welcome and supported.

“And, of course, supporting our visitor economy by promoting Brighton and Hove’s reputation as an open, welcoming, diverse and inclusive destination for EU visitors.”