The Central Office of Information (COI) has published its report detailing its total spend of £531m on marketing and communications over 2009/10.

The figure is down £9m from the previous year, with advertising accounting for £193m of the total, and digital marketing up 10% to £44m.

The report also shows that through the centralisation of its media buying, the COI was able to negotiate a 47.7 percent reduction in media costs in comparison to competitive rates.

As part of the current efficiencies drive by the UK Government, the COI is undertaking an internal review which as seen a freeze placed on advertising and marketing spend.

Mark Lund, chief executive of the COI, said: “COI must play its part in helping reduce the deficit. This year we are more focussed than ever on achieving outcomes at a much lower cost. We anticipate more partnerships with brand owners, media owners and civic groups, as well as increasingly innovative approaches to joining up paid-for and other media channels.”