FOI request (FOIR-641509126)

Christmas Light Spending

Requested Tue 27 August 2024
Responded Wed 11 September 2024

I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The purpose of this request is to gather data on the average figure the council spends on Christmas lights and decorations.

Specifically, I am seeking information on the following:

1. The annual spend on Christmas lights per year, for the following years:

a. 2020

b. 2021

c. 2022

d. 2023

e. 2024

2. The annual spend on Christmas decorations (for example, trees), for the following years:

a. 2020

b. 2021

c. 2022

d. 2023

e. 2024

3. The estimated energy consumption (in kWh) of the Christmas lights, for the following years:

a. 2020

b. 2021

c. 2022

d. 2023

e. 2024

Please provide the information in electronic format, preferably as an Excel spreadsheet or CSV file. Please avoid sending PDFs or Word documents if possible.

I have attached an Excel Template for your convenience. Please use this template where possible to ensure consistency and ease of data extraction.

If the council is unable to provide the specified information exactly as requested, please provide *any* data the council has that is relevant to the request and explain why the other information cannot be provided.

If the council does not maintain separate records for the categories mentioned (Christmas lights and decorations) and instead utilises a consolidated budget for all festive or annual decorations, please provide the total budget figure for the relevant years. If possible, provide an estimate or breakdown of the portion typically allocated to Christmas-related expenses.

Response

1. The annual spend on Christmas lights per year:

a. 2020 - £2,042

b. 2021 - £1,575

c. 2022 - £432

d. 2023 - £0

e. 2024 - £0

2. The annual spend on Christmas decorations (for example, trees):

I have no figures for trees. The Amenities team deal with the purchase of Christmas trees.

a. 2020 - £0

b. 2021 - £0

c. 2022 - £0

d. 2023 - £0

e. 2024 - £0

3. The estimated energy consumption (in kWh) of the Christmas lights:

a. 2020 - 108

b. 2021 - 183

c. 2022 - 40

d. 2023 - 0

e. 2024 - 0