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To begin the tender process in September
following ELT approval and sign off from Alysse Strachan, Assistant
Director of Neighbourhood Services.

Reasons for the decision

The Council has an expiring bus shelter
advertising contract which needs re-tendering and a new contract in
place, before the end of November 2025. In addition to this, we
have included the opportunity to create new advertising contracts
in the form of car park sheet advertising. This decision will
ensure that the Council will receive an increased income, which
supports our commitment to taking immediate action to address the
budget gap. The income can in part go towards securing efficient
maintenance/repairs around the entire borough's bus stop
infrastructure and put the Council on a strong financial footing
whilst doing so. Particularly, advertising on both bus shelters and
in car parks, will feed into the Council's plan in relation to
strategic priorities, as we will be maximising the income we
receive through commercialisation in these areas.

Alternative options considered

Alternative 1: At expiry of contract RBWM
brings advertising in house.
Reason for rejection - this is not recommended due to capacity,
expertise and that RBWM doesn’t have an existing relationship
with prospective advertisers.

Alternative 2: Do nothing.
Reason for rejection - Our current bus shelter advertising
contractor declines to agree to continue on existing terms on a
Waiver from October 2025, because they will no longer be in
contract which could result in a loss of income to the Council
worth £40,000 per annum. Further, early market engagement
suggests a re-tendering may enable the Council to secure additional
income.