1. Do you currently permit lamppost banners in order to communicate Council messages?
Yes
2. If so, which organisation provides these for you?
The organisation that wants the information published e.g. TV switchover etc
3. Are you tied into an exclusive agreement with any supplier and if so, when does it expire?
We do not have an exclusive agreement for supply of banners but have an arrangement in our new street lighting contract for fitting them.
4. When the agreement expires are you planning to go out to tender for these services and if not, why not?
Please refer to question 4 above.
5. What do you currently pay, per banner for the print and installation?
We consider that release of this information is exempt under Section 43(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Commercial Interests. Devon County Council considers releasing the costs of any installation prices would likely prejudice the commercial interests of any competitors and this would give an unfair advantage.
We have considered the public interest in this case and we acknowledge that there is a public interest in the transparency around public spending, however, we also consider that there is a public interest in allowing businesses to apply for contracts in a competitive environment, and we therefore, consider that the public interest lies in withholding the information.
6. Are you looking to open out any scheme to accept commercial advertising in the future?
Potentially
7. Would you be interested in using your lampposts to display Covid information messages?
Yes
8. Were you aware that Lamppost Banners Ltd, trading as Lamppostbanners.com offers these services and its bracket system is manufactured in-house and is approved by UK lighting engineers?
No
9. Who is the main contact and what are their contact details for queries relating to installing council messages on lamp columns, or who would deal with it if this is something the Council is not currently doing?
Les Pym, Street Lighting Team Les.Pym@devon.gov.uk