I understand that the contract for the provision of services to carers is due to be renewed which is currently held by Devon Carers. Please could you tell me who the other applicants for the carers contract were the last time this contract went to tender.
We believe that releasing the name of the Bidders is exempt under Section 43(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Commercial Interests.
Devon County Council considers that the release of this information would be likely to be commercially prejudicial to the council, as realising this information could lead to providers benchmarking. This may then lead to future tenders being less completive which may mean the Council having to pay more for these services in the future.
Devon County Council acknowledges that there is a general public interest in openness and transparency. However, in the current economic climate there is a strong public interest in ensuring that we generate as much income from our commercial clients as possible, so that the maximum amount of money can be spent on services for the people of Devon. Therefore, for this reason we believe that the balance of public interest lies in withholding this information at this time