You asked
I respectfully ask that you supply the following information:
1. The number of smartphones you will be supplying (as loans) to staff working on the 2021 Census.
2. The total cost of these smartphones.
3. The name of the company supplying these smartphones.
4. Your plan for the disposal of these smartphones once returned by the staff.
5. The number of laptops and tablets (including Chromebooks) you will be supplying (as loans) to staff working on the 2021 Census.
6. The total cost of these laptops and tablets (including Chromebooks).
7. The name of the company supplying these laptops and tablets (including Chromebooks).
8. Your plan for the disposal of the laptops and tablets (including Chromebooks) once returned by the staff.
We said
Thank you for your request. Please see the following answers to your questions:
1. The number of smartphones you will be supplying (as loans) to staff working on the 2021 Census: 42,950
2. The total cost of these smartphones:
This information is considered exempt under Section 43 of the FOIA, as the disclosure of this information would prejudice the commercial interests of a third party. Disclosure of the cost of the smartphones we purchase would likely prejudice a third party's ability to generate higher levels of income in the future, as their ability to experience open and fair competition at tender could be compromised.
This exemption is subject to a public interest test. Whilst we recognise the desirability of information being freely available, we also acknowledge the importance of maintaining the trust the companies we work with. The release of this information may compromise our relationship with the companies in question, which would likely render them to be unwilling to work with us in the future. In turn, this would impact our ability to produce statistics, which are in the public good and are essential in the formulation of government policy. As a result, the protection of the company's commercial interests outweighs the public interest in the release of this information, in this case.
3. The name of the company supplying these smartphones: HP Financial Services
4. Your plan for the disposal of these smartphones once returned by the staff: The phones are leased and will be returned to the lease company for reuse.
5. The number of laptops and tablets (including Chromebooks) you will be supplying (as loans) to staff working on the 2021 Census: 5000
6. The total cost of these laptops and tablets (including Chromebooks): £1.1m
7. The name of the company supplying these laptops and tablets (including Chromebooks): HP Financial Services
8. Your plan for the disposal of the laptops and tablets (including Chromebooks) once returned by the staff: The devices are leased and will be returned to the lease company for reuse.